I started a bulk, 190# 18% BF I gained 20# 16 of muscle and 4 of fat, that?s 4 of muscle for every pound of fat. I then cut. 190# @ 10%bf? I then bulk again gain 20# only 2 of fat, that?s 9 of muscle for every pound of fat. So I gained less bulking from a lower BF%.
As for blindly following what someone wrote, I came to this realization on my own, before I even found T-Nation, by studying my own body. In the end anything I know about how my body responds from experience is a million times better than an expert opinion for or against my opinion.
It’s interesting that this went into a discussion about JB. I follow his eating guidlines with P+F and P+C meals. I like this a lot, and want to use this method if I am to bulk, getting quality nutrients that will hopefully lead to much more muscle than fat gain. I think it doesn’t matter too much what body fat you start off with, as long as you consistantly get in those quality foods your gains are supposed to reflect on it. Am I right in thinking this? Or should I just say screw it and eat anything I see and find where that takes me? (just kidding)