I suppose Barnsley might be more likely to have followed the Brentford model if it had actually got them promoted. My gut feeling is that technically gifted players are still more expensive than athletic players with some technical limitations, hence my Bassett reference. A style of play that works without needing 11 technically good players possibly gives better value for money.
Conversely, you’re likely to make more profit selling on technical players to PL clubs, which is probably where Benham is coming from with the Brentford model. He probably also thinks they’ll need to sign fewer players if they get promoted as he’ll expect the majority to be able to step up.
I’m not sure there’s a right or wrong way, providing the theories are executed properly.