I think the focus here, as evidenced by the fact that almost no "machinery " was used in any pictures ( I see no brewing systems or Sabco's in the article, other than a single fermenter) , was to highlight the ill-guided perception some people still have with home brewing. I believe that most folks think of the making beer at home involves a "bath tub " and unsanitary conditions to create a hit or miss product , let's face it, we have all met the person who says, "yeah my brother-in-law used to make his own beer back in college" and the bottles sometimes exploded and it was just awful stuff .
Moreover, the article demonstrates the fact that some homebrewers are quite passionate about their craft and pursue a level of silliness that is beyond what most people would ever consider as normal ( I often fall into these articles : ) ). Extremes in any subject makes for good headlines and articles in publications, it's what sells news, keeps people interested and makes careers for writers. John did a great job with this piece, and very well researched, gathering several experienced brewer's,retailers and writer's from the field.
I see no purpose to an argument amongst us hobbyists who clearly can make world class beers on every thing from a simple cooler and a few hoses to a 2 bbl shinny home mirco-brewery. In fact, most of us who have these types of systems, have hand-built them and know every detail and design aspect, yet have learned and deeply admired the Denny Conn's of the homebrew world without a doubt, some like to keep it cheap and easy and some ...well not so much, but that's not relevant to making beer ...is it ?
The small niche market that Sabco sells to , is the "rich guy" with little practical commonsense and more money to burn than hours in the day, this small segment of the population , doesn't compete or really have the passion to be at this hobby for a long time, he is one who is a collector of stuff to be cool, not all, but I suspect most who buy a 6k dollar brewery may also drive a large SUV or fast sports car, Sabco knows their market and so should you.
Overall , it's just another article in a major newspaper about making beer at home ( our passion) , and not about politics ,murder or another financial crisis.