Some good analogies.

I also second Larry's comments above. Treating clients like a patient means putting their interests first, even it if means encouraging them to do things which at the time may be uncomfortable.

To the original article, I find that while it's true that most clients enjoy the idea of investing in more exotic portfolios, with some (and in actually fact, not much) counselling most accept the merits of pursuing an optimal asset allocation / tax structures (etc) even though this almost always results in a more "boring" looking portfolio.

I do understand, however, that many advisors feel pressured to offer more exotic alternatives so they can "stand out from the crowd". In my experience many of these advisers do so primarily for the purpose of marketing themselves, and not for primary benefit of their client.