Not particularly a PG fan, but I think that ("trite/useless") might be a bit harsh. If trite means obvious, well, that sort of thing wasn't obvious to me early

Not particularly a PG fan, but I think that ("trite/useless") might be a bit harsh. If trite means obvious, well, that sort of thing wasn't obvious to me early in my career, and even now after decades, it's hard to keep advice like this firmly in mind. I, too, hope that your friend is able to find a happy niche for himself.