Yep, I've previously preached here about the importance of lab testing of popcorn before removal. I've even seen houses built as late as 1989 that contained more than 5% asbestos in the popcorn.
Around here, painting a popcorn ceiling seems to be the exception. Perhaps it is because I got really good at selling popcorn removal services. Regardless, 99 out of 100 popcorn ceilings I've dealt with were removal jobs. Not a fun job, but it has always brought in a decent profit margin for me.
I use techniques very similar to the asbestos abatement companies, whether the popcorn contains asbestos or not. It surely makes post-removal cleanup a breeze, if you plan out the job well. Probably removed 50,000 sq ft or more in the last 4 years, so I've done tons of popcorn removal. Probably 90% of the removal I've done has exposed drywall joints which weren't even taped...
Pretty much everything stated in that article is true. Good link, Roadog!