One way of interpreting the prevailing advice is "give them a chance to settle first, then intervene if it isn't working". Don't rush in to pick up at the first noise - but as soon as bub seems unhappy (rather than just awake) then cuddle/feed/sing/pat/raindance/whatever helps.
We tried to never leave DS unhappy on his own - and he now settles and sleeps better than most bubs his age.