In my experience, sand topdressing on both fairways and greens has been an integral part of both managing playability and agrinomic health of the turf. Many, if not most golf courses in the US have been built on soils not ideally suited for the game of golf. Sand topdressing, in conjunction with many other cultural practices, aids in surface preparation, thatch and organic matter managment, surface drainage and general turf health. All of these factors are a part of the F&F idea.
As for the USGA reccomendations... In the west, sand topdressing is presented as vital to creating quality golf conditions. I agree with the theory.