[kayodelycaon]

If you don't need any of the features MS Word provides and you are proficient in using LaTeX and vim... yes.

That's kind of my point. If you can avoid using a heavyweight tool whose features you don't need... don't use it. I highly recommend finding any alternative that would suit your needs. You will be a lot happier.

The problem is the constant unspoken assumption that heavyweight tools shouldn't be used at all.

[omnicognate]

If it's unspoken why assume that assumption is being made? I don't see anything to that effect in the article, and while I can't speak for others I certainly don't have any objection to other people using whatever tools they like. I'm just glad there are alternatives I prefer.