IOW - "the funnel is really a filter". Which means it's not a funnel?
I agree, by the way, with the approach you describe. It's a lot more sane and will result with happier customers. I just think that you and OP are saying much the same thing.
I think we are too, but I think that saying that funnels are evil, bad, stupid, whatever is foolish. The funnel is still the funnel, but how you treat it makes a difference. Of course, that kind of nuance doesn't get you on the front page of HN either.
I agree, by the way, with the approach you describe. It's a lot more sane and will result with happier customers. I just think that you and OP are saying much the same thing.