I agree with your guide in one way, but in another way - this lacks effort.
You're telling me I have to practise one hour a day to be good? That ain't true. You also tell us that it took you three years to reach MG1, (took me two months to reach Global), then how is this "easy" and "effective". I'll tell you here and now that the best way to go is playing community servers, communicating through voice chat, practising holding corners and etcetera. Again, you do not have to practise an hour a day to become a good CS player. Aslong as the hours you decide to put into practising only is focused on that exactly, you should be good. The days I decided to practise - I sat goals and I didn't stop until I reached them. Have faith and you'll reach the top.