Being the only one posting a reduced change cycle here, I wouldn't call it 'bragging' Tom just answering what I understood the OP's question to be.
Naw........not you, it's many folks that seem to brag about it, do not take this stuff so personally, there is no intent. Some seem to suggest........as if it means they are better aquarist or something. I do not think there's anything that implies better or worse really. If you note, I also made my own bragging of my tanks that get similar water change routines:hihi:
I am as guilty as you here.
With time, many folks can go this route and others can start off with this goal in mind using less light and sediment rich sediments etc........
I think folks can have VERY nice tanks with this type of routine.
Folks should look at the other things that enhance the goals and look at water changes objectively.
If avoidance of water change is the primary goal, and also reduced labor(why else would they avoid them to begin with if that(labor) was not the real case??), then we'd all should be telling folks to use the non CO2 method, but many do not say anything about non CO2 to folks typically.
Testing does not reduce labor. It adds to it. I do not need to test and do monthly water changes, but have a few caveats. The light(lower vs more) good CO2 management, and sediment based ferts+ routine care are more important than testing.
So we can get away with less water changes and..........no testing also.
You are not far off with your own tank, has mud, good CO2, light etc.........reduced modified dosing.........monthly water changes.
I think you could go with no water testing.