I can't imagine what he was saying. I commute on a cross bike (Kona Jake) and I think it's perfect for that task. I also use it for riding centuries and cyclocross racing. It does both of those well too. I've never had an issue with balance or control.
The cross bike was my first road bike, BTW, upgrading from a MTB. It felt great from the start. YMMV, so take a test ride.