If you're in a position to negotiate the terms of the option contract, then sure, you're right. But, someone with that kind of negotiation position isn't the article's target audience anyway.

Unusual options contracts usually have to be presented to, sold to, and approved by the board. So, unless you're extra special, you're going to get the boiler plate contract. And, the boiler plate contract has gotten much less attractive over the years - filled with enough clauses to make the options effectively worthless.

If you can assume that your CEO, the board, the acquiring company, and the lawyers are generous, and that the company will be unusually successful, then maybe it's worth it for the average employee to take options into consideration. But, that is a lot of assuming.