I'm in that same boat of preheat, burn off the crud, brush away the ash, oil the grill grates with a paper towel (this makes for a non-stick surface).
I use a Tool Wizard BBQ Grill Brush, which uses a metal scouring pads that I replace regularly.
https://toolwizard.com/store/index.c...rill-brush.cfm
I learned this method, as well as this product, from ATK and Cook's Country, it's worked for me.
I also agree that by leaving the organic matter until the next BBQ, keeps the grates from rusting, having lived in Hawaii for most of my life, it works.
We did have a cheap-o grill brush like that fellow, but threw that out, and yes, I agree, I think this "reporter" is a buffoon.