Your most correct Showroom, F-2 *CAN* be used by hand as any other product available can be used by hand. However...it was designed for use with a machine and best results will be obtained this way.
And you are also most correct about technique but the individual appears inexperienced and his finish, after 5 years worth of swirls, suggests it was somewhat neglected ! These two points combined (inexperience/neglect) will most likely, if using F-2 by inexperienced hands on a neglected finish, will have less than desired results and a heck of a lotta sweat and sore arms/shoulders to boot not to mention a beating in the old motivation department!!!
The SMR advice, I agree, although not strong enough for this particular finish, may in fact deliver better results for a beginner fanatic in this particular situation. Personally, I would use a wool pad (PC/rotary) with F-2 on his finish, followed by SMR using a foam pad and then a final pamper with a
soft buff finishing pad using Meg Show Car/3M Imperial glaze topped off with a carnauba or Polymer protectant.