I would agree with the author, but I am still wondering why other platforms do not win. I mean, for example, SourceForge or code.google.com. Except for the first point, most hosting sites provide exactly same functionalities.
Then, I guess, the point is 'easiness' or fancy/cool user interface.
It also reminds me of programming in Starbucks, where you have no (or weak) network connection. Because of the network connection, you can concentrate on programming (or design, or thinking) rather than time-consuming and attracting information from the net.