It's only suboptimal if "ordering last" is a thing. The article notes a better strategy of reaching consensus before ordering, and then ordering all the items

It's only suboptimal if "ordering last" is a thing. The article notes a better strategy of reaching consensus before ordering, and then ordering all the items together. That way by placing an order first you don't implicitly force someone who is ordering later (and sharing with you) to mitigate risks by picking a second favorite.