I think that what is presented in that news article is pure bias. What the writer shows is that she prefers stage magic. By all means this doesn't imply that stage magic is the way to go, but rather that she falls into the pure spectator group of laymen. While this style of magic is very popular in certain places (take MGM shows by Copperfield) where a large group of people WATCH but usually to never INTERACT with the magician. This style of magic is very showy but usually has to be performed at a distance, cannot use a random audience member, and is purely for entertainment (like a play or a movie).
On the other hand card magic is usually performed for smaller groups of people or individuals. Card magic may not be as showy as Copperfield's Death Saw but it can be more interactive. This type of magic appeals to the other group of laymen who enjoy being a part of the show. Using cards (or coins) street performers and small gig magicians can draw the audience into the action by performing for an individual, a small group, or even passerbys.
If you've ever been to a birthday party with a magician you will notice that he or she will do both types of magic to appeal to both types of laymen. First they may walk around and do card or coin magic and later do stage magic with props.
As to whether or not card magic is boring or lame, I'd strongly disagree. Yes cards are used a LOT in magic performances. Are they dull, boring, and ugly? Perhaps, but there are many custom designs that can spice up a performance. Card magic is common because it is constantly evolving with many different applications. Does this mean that card magic isn't creative because it is only using cards? No! As said before, cards are a tool to perform. Are physicists not innovative enough because their principles and formulas work using math concepts thousands of years old? Are carpenters not innovative enough because they still use the hammer and nail? Of course not, they are using tools that have proven their effectiveness over time to create new innovative ideas and creations. Will laymen be bored with card magic? Probably not! After all card magic is still around and grows stronger with the showcase of new unseen applications thanks to the internet. This writer may be one of the laymen but she doesn't speak for all of them.
This is my own strongly opinionated argument, however I think I have more reasoning than rant in mine.
Feel free to disagree,
-Bryant