Don’t get me wrong. My dry rock is finally coming around after a couple years to where my params are stable or at least way easier to keep in check. I don’t disagree that it can’t be done, alls I’m saying is that those were lessons I could have done without…..personally. I think I could have saved a bunch of money had I started with live rock.So each "method" has its pros/cons and ways to avoid some of the uglies. Starting with live rock is not a magic fix all and has its own set of problems and can just as easily end up in a really bad state if mistakes are made.
I started the current tank ~20 years ago with dry (marco) rock and cup or so of live sand. I was able to avoid ugly (I don't count a week of diatoms and cyano ugly) and it was not until several years (maybe as far as 2007) later when I swapped a LOT of my rock for Live Fiji rock that I ran into my first big set of problems.
There are so many variables. Each and every system will be different, but in most cases, with good advice and patience, you can avoid the uglies or outright crashes. The neat part about this hobby is that all these years (20+ reefs, 30+ Saltwater) is that there is something new to learn every day.
I will also say, that you will not find a long term reef aquarist that has not fought the uglies, total crashes or other disasters, If they say they haven't they are full of BS. "Patience" is not the fix all, but it is a virtue for long term success in reefing and my advice is to get used to it early on.