I can say that Beer-can chicken was really the 'door-way' for me getting into Q'n. And so it has a real, near and dear place in my heart as far as a way of cooking chicken. And when I saw the headline to this thread, and when I read the headline of the article - I was slightly hurt and offended. But that's ok, because I really don't know everything, and you know what? - some times I'm WRONG! Everything he talked about, science and all, makes a ton of sense and seems logical. I love it, I've got a lot to learn - that's a great article to share - thank you very much. And I love the quote from Big Poppa - I respect him a ton!
I do have one of those vertical "beer can holders", and I may still use it, just minus the can. I like vertical roasting the chicken, I think it has a lot of advantages. I can't wait until I try it, sans beer can. But i agree with cheeaa, since starting to spatchcock chicken and turkey, I rarely do it any other way. It's a great way to smoke.