From my expirience, Josh's method is realy great and if follow it-results for sure will be positive.
About materials, as it goes on conventional set ups-ABC or AAC, yes they expaniton rates are very critical.
In my particular case ( BRB set ups) and we did a lot of testing on all variety of temp, the temperature doesn't make big difference ( in reasonble limits). Actualy hoter you running is better, but again, in the limits.
About changing conrods-yes on all mass production engines it has to be done. But there is materials available much better and works 4-5 times longer then stock, but this is different story.
Conclusion-yes Cyrul"s method is really good and usefull and I recomend to everybody follow it up.
Edward