I think you’re right. It’s more about the set up and programming one uses. I do think, though, that the mantra that you must regularly lift to failure to make progress is wrong (not saying you have are saying this, or Coach Darden). I have become such a believer that form, bar speed, and explosiveness is more important than the weight on the bar (from doing 531 as my regular program). That said, even on dips, rows, and pull ups I rarely go to failure and worry more about total reps over the course of a workout. I also think, as the years pile up, you need to find a training method that keeps you free from injuries and mentally able to keep coming back for more.