Probably because he doesn't know any better. The 351W is a great base to build off of, if you wanted you could build it clear up to a 408" to 427" stroker in the stock block.
Weak point is just about every stock head ever put on one, so with stock heads its just like every other small block ford with the same problem....intake ports are just too small.
Put an aftermarket head on it and watch it wake right the hell up.
Just shop for a 351W short block....you don't need the rest of a stock motor because everything else is going to be an aftermarket part.....heads, rocker arms, pushrods, valvecovers, intake, waterpump, oil pan, oil pump shaft, distributor, headers, carburetor/fuel injection.
Take a look at the 5.0 Mustangs, 1984-96-ish.. Decent power, easily hopped up and still get good mileage 25-26 mpg hwy.