There are many reasons for using bare bottom tanks, making large and frequent water changes and avoiding gravel to raise discus. In fact, every single hobbyist start with exactly the same concepts in mind. Some read up and decide to go with the experienced approach. Many disregard what they read and do what they want. I am always amused how many beginners start their first post with something like this. "Thanks to Simply for all this great information. I've been reading and studying up on discus for a year now. I'm setting up a biotope tank with some fry. Is 20% weekly water changes enough because my filter is rated for 2,000 gallons per hour...?"
After reading all these posts, I doubt that a few more facts are going to sway people. Experienced hobbyists can attest that there is no way to raise young discus in a planted tank. There is no way to raise high quality fish without huge and frequent water changes. There are hobbyists here who consistently spawn their fish. There are others here who consistently show their discus and win awards. And there are those who raise discus in planted tanks.
Good luck to you and prove us wrong, Willie