That's funny to me, because we certainly have at least a few examples of long range pistol shots being needed and being successful. One in my own agency as well. I'm sure Spaulding was speaking of probabilities, rather than absolutes, but I am a big believer in long range practice, and at speed as well. I just don't think there are too many times that actual conditions will allow for a precise long range shot to be safely fired.
I know I've written this before, but I've won money shooting a 442 at 50 yard head plates. Those plates never move till after they get hit though :-).