I understand what you're saying, but I think you're marginalizing what was a pretty solid article. The author heard a questionable figure, sought the source for it, and reconciled the quote against reality. As a lesson in thinking for yourself as opposed to just believing what you hear -- something people are not often accustomed to doing -- I thought it was good.
That said, the title could have been much improved.
That said, the title could have been much improved.