I absolutely think Unabomber is wrong on this one. Torque is very, very critical. Torque is a proxy used to specify the tension in the bolt. Too low and there's not enough frictional force to keep the bolt out of sheer. Too high, and you risk breaking the bolt, stripping the threads, or other consequences such as over-crushing a gasket.
BTW, the correct torque for the engine-to-exhaust studs is 22.4ftlbs.
God knows I've gotten way too familiar with that number in the last 4 days. Stupid headers!