I've dealt with a lot of different mechanics and tuners over the years and I've read a countless number of automotive books and magazines, I've never come across any negative remarks or frowns from any of these sources regarding the age old practise of warming up a cold engine for a couple minutes or so before driving, as a matter of fact it's been quite the contrary.
The agenda's of the car manufacturing powers that be and their associates, aren't always in the consumers best interest, they are in the business of selling and servicing cars and these two things take priority over everything else, including us.
Now days with all the emission standards, mileage/economy concerns, EPA etc., much in the Automotive Industry has changed and not necessarily for the better of the consumer.
I feel that in many cases a car manufacturers recommendations should be adhered to and looked upon as a guide but not a bible, as in many instances in life there are times when an individuals discretion and common sense needs to take over.
Everyone has an opinion, however few of them are based on facts.
Each person has to do what they think is best in a given situation, they just need to be prepared to except any consequences that "may" arise from their decision(s) without whining about it, but few are.
I don't understand why this is such a big deal anyway, it ony takes approximately 2 minutes or so at idle for the blue coolant light to turn off on a cold engine, are people in that much of a hurry?