Ray,
I'm with you all the way. I have no disrespect for the guy but would categorise him as New Wave. Hence all the pastes and easy methodology. This is why his final dishes are always too thin, just as your typical take-away.
I am of mind that in real time, he would pre-heat his pan and cook the food properly. given the time constraints for YouTube, I think he tries to 'fit it in'. Or at least, I hope this is the case.
What I think we can take from his video's, is the essence of what is involved. How we choose to attempt his recipes, either by paste or passion (Oooh, I like that saying

), is exactly that, our choice.
Hey CA, what about a Forum T-Shirt?
"I cook with passion, not paste. Curry Recipes Online".
Of course I want royalties on that mate.

;D