Jusr because I write about it in excruciating detail on my blog does not make it complicated. The concepts are simple and it still boils down to "ride hard" but there is a method to when to ride hard and when to ride easy. I just "rode hard" the last few years and made gains but hit a plateau, and especially last year did too much too soon and burned out quickly.
And it if it makes you feel better; my coach can "walk the walk" as well as "talk the talk," as you put it, as he is a former protour rider.
I like the fact your coach has walked the walked. Lets say that when Lance Armstrong retires & he decides to get into coaching. Now Chris Carmichael is far more knowledgeable but the guy who I would look to straight away would be Lance, not just because of the name, but hes been there & done it. That is what I'm saying.
I also agree with you regarding riding hard all the time, hitting plateaus & burning out. Maybe that could have something to do with the Force-velocity curve relationship???... Not sure though.