Hi Deb,
I think if you are personally questioning the article and the methods used... then you have your answer right there.
Personally I think 3 weeks is far to young to start reducing the amount of night feeds, and if the baby is breastfed I don't know if there is an applicable age where you should reduce their feeds. I guess when you know that they are feeding for comfort instead of out of hunger... but even then... is it so wrong to comfort a baby in the way that they want?
I also don't think there is anything wrong with cuddling your baby before he/she goes to bed, as IMO that would help to make them feel more safe, secure and loved.
Most parents usually cuddle their older kids and give them a goodnight kiss dont they? When I was a kid I know I certainly would have felt insecure and upset if I didn't get my bedtime cuddles... and I'm sure babies would feel the same way.
As for putting to bed without food... well that just seems silly, because then bubs is going to wake up even sooner than normal and will be hungrier.
I think the problem is that these 'studies' and articles are trying to make babies more of a convenience for us... they are missing the point that babies are just that - tiny little human beings, and they may need extra food and cuddles during the middle of the night... and I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

I really think you should go with your heart on this one, and do what you think is best for your son and his needs. It sounds like you are already doing a fantastic job.
Alex will start sleeping through eventually - and it sounds like he is already in a good sleeping routine, and I'm sure he will gradually drop his night feeds when he is ready.