Perhaps you forgot to read the very last section, titled "Almost Flat Design"
>A style more designers tend to agree on is “almost” flat design.
>In almost flat design, the basic theme of the flat style is used but some effects are added to the design scheme. Buttons, for example, may contain slight gradients or drop shadows. Designers typically pick one effect and use it exclusively in an almost flat project.
>This style allows for a little more flexibility than some of the rigidness of the no effects thought behind flat design.
Designers like it because of the added depth and texture. Users like it because the style is a little less sharp and can help guide proper interaction...
It seems that many flat designers would agree with your proposal to keep "just enough" ornamentation.
It's a writer just seeking to milk the whole "flat design" thing even more by categorizing small variations as a whole design movement. It's no coincidence that a company selling a kit has the most blog posts dedicated to it. flat and almost flat design have the exact same aesthetic.
Moreover, pegging designers to a trendy aesthetic is ridiculous.
>A style more designers tend to agree on is “almost” flat design.
>In almost flat design, the basic theme of the flat style is used but some effects are added to the design scheme. Buttons, for example, may contain slight gradients or drop shadows. Designers typically pick one effect and use it exclusively in an almost flat project.
>This style allows for a little more flexibility than some of the rigidness of the no effects thought behind flat design. Designers like it because of the added depth and texture. Users like it because the style is a little less sharp and can help guide proper interaction...
It seems that many flat designers would agree with your proposal to keep "just enough" ornamentation.