I understand what this person is trying to say, but I'd still argue against it. Go to a couple conventions with competitions and see how different the 10th performer's split fan production you see feels from the 1st. Or the dove production. Or the ace assembly.
What Brad was saying is that books, especially older ones, contain tons of material that not only still works with today's audiences, but has been overlooked by many because of the get-it-while-it's-hot online magic sales model.
Further, it is very difficult to copy a performer based on a routine written up in their book. This directly opposes the ease with which magic students can cut and paste a performance from a DVD into their life, whether it fits or not.
So I'd reiterate what Brad said. Find some books you've never heard of, maybe even by magicians who don't have a DVD released in the last 10-15 years, and learn to find your own amazing works.
Then when you see someone else performing, you won't feel a need to do something they did because you'll have a confidence in the material you've sought out on your own.
Or do what you're doing, but expect to stop growing sooner than later.
Pj