It is the most realistic way for us to maintain reasonable nitrate levels. Ideas of what is realistic do vary from one aquarist to another. Most species of fish seem undaunted by a level lower than forty parts per million. Make that your goal through water changes. That was deliberate.
Every aquarium is different, due to stocking and feeding differences.
Your aquarium's maintenance schedule will have to be flexible as this will change with time. That should be all that we, as aquarists, need to know. Manufacturers, on the other hand would like you to believe that the process is more complicated. It helps them to sell more filters, additives and cultures. Some do work and some are garbage.