Empirical studies (which were cited) are worthwhile. Maybe more worthwhile than reality distortion fields. Of course, you can still argue that Steve Jobs created an exceptional environment where the usual rules don't apply. But just because Jobs wore a turtleneck doesn't mean we all should.
Apple isn't a company without a middle management layer and never was, of course. The quote is used to illustrate a point.
Middle management is a structural requirement in an organization past a certain size. If it's not working out, it's more likely just _poor_ management skills that's the cause.