It doesn't matter if you do pyramids, reverse pyramids, or straight sets, superslow or superfast. It doesn't matter if you go 2 seconds up and 4 seconds down or 10 seconds up and 5 seconds down. There is no ideal method or ideal range of reps, sets, etc. The mode and methods are not universal so you should experiment, but focus on the basic movements. Find the methods you like, but always stick to the absolute rule.
Intensity is work, but there is more than one way to use it effectively.
Most people don't want to hear about hard work. They don't want to do heavy squats or deadlifts. They don't want to pay the price. If you are natural, you must build muscle the old-fashioned way. Grimek, Hackenschmidt, Klein, Eifferman, Apollon, Travis, Farbotnik, and others earned their muscle and respect.