[Stratoscope]

That used to be true, but not in contemporary usage.

Either "they" or "the author" is a much better choice today.

[randomdata]

"They" has become more common in contemporary usage, I agree, but the fluidity of the english language allows for any of the above. "He" is still common enough that the dictionary still records "he" as being gender neutral. There is really no wrong answer here as far as english is concerned.