It was a long time ago, but I'm pretty sure "according to" may have been my idea.  It was a way to defend the article against constant arguments attempting to insert the word "alleged".  Rules were a lot looser back then, and we had far fewer defenses against tendentious and brigading editors.  Today, I'm not sure that should be the only reason to keep this language.  A strong consensus would be enough now, perhaps.   (talk)