If using PHP the way it was initially meant to be used (i.e. includes, variables, and helper functions where it makes sense, etc.), then it doesn't need to be 1

If using PHP the way it was initially meant to be used (i.e. includes, variables, and helper functions where it makes sense, etc.), then it doesn't need to be 100% static in the way the author is suggesting, to be orders of magnitude more efficient than a full-fledged WordPress site.