I'd have agree with the first two assessments. Despite what the owner's manual and service manuals might advise, I change transmission fluid frequently. I try to maintain a 30K mile interval, and usually skip the filter change on alternate drainings. I also make a habit of installing an oil drain plug in every pan I pull, whether or not it is mine.
Many transmissions are now getting drain plugs from the factory, but many more still aren't. For about $4 in parts an a little labor, the next trans oil change becomes a lot easier.
For about two bucks and change you can get a standard ½-20 drain plug and sealing washer (Dorman/Motormite P/N 65245) and for about another 20¢ you can get a mating ½-20 jamb nut. Locate a suitable place to install the plug. Verify that there is at least 3/4 inch of depth or clearance inside and above the pan so that the extra length of plug inside the pan presents no interference. If your location is near the drain pan magnet, remove the magnet so that heat does not weaken it. Drill a ½" hole in your chosen location, remove the washer from the oil drain plug, and assemble the plug and nut through the pan to hold the nut securely in position. Apply three good tack welds (or braze) to alternate flats on the jamb nut. Clean up the interior of the pan from any flux and weld spatter, remove the plug, and install the sealing washer and plug once the pan has cooled. Bolt the pan back on and try to re-use the factory pan gasket, since most of them are vastly superior (in several ways) to the cork/compound replacements provided in filter kits. Even if the plug is not in the lowest part of the pan, you'll be able to drain the majority of the oil and make the job a lot easier - You can actually look forward to the next trans oil change.
I actually "cheat" and only drain the pan via the plug, then install the plug and refill as necessary every other change. The pickup filter and magnet in the pan is usually not contaminated sufficiently in 30,000 miles to warrant pulling the pan for a full service. It still changes about 2/5ths of the oil and drains any heavy contaminants, and is about 400% better than what the service manuals recommend.