I guess it really depends on the authors' definitions of "beer". for me, it depends entirely on what is in the glass as to what the correct temperature profile

I guess it really depends on the authors' definitions of "beer". for me, it depends entirely on what is in the glass as to what the correct temperature profile and shape is. for instance, a nice imperial stout should warm slightly before being drank, so having a glass with a large open mouth for aroma and good heat transfer from the hands is preferred. when drinking from cask, the beer is served on the warmer side, and a nice nonic works well (the article didn't go into it, but each of these glasses has a formal name, not "imperial pint" or "my favorite"), since it also opens up the aroma and keeps the temperature on the warmer side. an IPA, generally you'd want to drink not completely cold as well. in fact, it seems that the only beers that get better as they get colder are lagers/pilsners.