<<Only in "expertville" will they tell you what a bad idea it is to receive money now. If you need income even in times when the stock is lower in value then sell some of your shares....create your own dividend!!>>>

I disagree. Buffett’s method allows me to take big lumpy dividends from other, less price/value conscious folks, when the stock is very expensive or, more frequently, when it serves MY purpose of filling up IRMAA brackets or using up lower tax brackets. Berkshire serves ME this way. Far more preferable.

When Berkshire is cheap— I don’t take a dividend or I choose a small one. MY choice.

As to your other point…I choose to live my life so I’m never forced to take a large dividend when I “have to” because I need the cash. And even if I did…it’s no big deal at all.