Ya, my base phase is pretty much exactly what he described. I'll do one long tempo or fartlek, and then either 200 repeats or hill reps, and other than that it is just lots of easy miles.
I've had fantastic results training like that, not really because it is tons better than other base phase plans, just because it is very easy for me to execute. I don't need to think about it as much, so I find it much easier to get in solid training without really worrying (I can be a bit of a head case when it comes to the nitty gritty)
The first time I specifically tried to follow the Frank Shorter Philosophy was after my senior year in HS, I ran a 4:44 mile, showed up at college 11 weeks later and ran a 4:31 at XC tryouts. I credit the increased mileage that I was able to put in.
I'll repeat there isn't anything special about the plan from a physiological standpoint, it is just very easy to go out and run this properly.