This is utter nonsense. Spend even a small amount of time with someone who works outside of the computer hardware/software industry and observe how and why they use a smart phone or computer. UI walkthroughs are not only necessary, but desired. They act as the equivalent of standing next to someone and "showing" them how something works. As the OP correctly notes there is a very heavy reliance on mimicry for most learning.
Visual cues are nice, and even desired, but gentle introductions outlining how to get started are as well.
Visual cues are nice, and even desired, but gentle introductions outlining how to get started are as well.