My point is that there are drawbacks to flexible layouts just as there are to fixed layouts. My specific issue with the former is that developers effectively need to produce larger sites than are being delivered. It strikes me as wasteful to increase the size of all requests for all users in the name of flexibility. My specific issue with the latter is that you can’t change the magnification at all without browser support.

I don’t think anyone has really picked a side, a team, or even a standard methodology regardless of the amount of skepticism voiced. If you’re interested in the topic, though, you should check out Drew Mclellan’s recent post. Be sure to follow the link through to Cameron Moll’s post as well.