If you do something and it works, like forever, then does it matter what others say?
A dial indicator is the only way to do it 'right' but so is a torque wrench when putting on your wheels. I have haven't used a torque wrench to install a wheel in 40 years. I do know, there are plenty of young kids in shops that do not understand the term over torqued. I've twisted enough wrenches to know what works for me.
If you have no idea what freeplay is, you should know how to do it right. There are several methods out there that work but the only right method is what the factory says. I do believe, within reason, if the method revolves around loosening the nut a little bit, it's probably a sound way. If someone says to tighten it by hand and leaving it like that, then that is preload and the more you have, the less distance you will go.
But, like it's been said, there are several opinions out there.
I thought it was just me, that thought it was odd that 'I just had the bearings serviced and they failed a few months later' Cheap Chinese bearings! Could be, but I would first blame the installer, especially if it was a pro.
Research, research, research, then form an opinion and jump on that bandwagon. There are several out there.