CIF, the player right now playing just the way he is by using basic strategy and varying his bets with the count is already playing a winning strategy (of course depending upon his spread). Playing against the standard Benchmark Rules someone using a one to ten spread (burnitdown did not say what his spread is) already captures 87% of all the gain that is obtainable from someone who is using all three options basic strategy, bet variations, and strategy deviations. You constantly complain at BJTF about ZeeBabar's errors in what he says, you should be careful too.
At this point in time, you are overlooking an important part of the training. You want as much as you can get from that other 13% that is obtainable by also using strategy deviations., don't you? The most important deviations are based on the frequency of occurrence and also by the size of your bets when a deviation is needed. The top three deviations by a matter of importance is when to take insurance, 16 v 10, and 15 v 10. I have a good idea for you (if you have not already done so) is to purchase BLACKJACK ATTACK 3rd Edition by Don Schlesinger. Simply stated it is a great book and a learning tool, and reference for all the important and relevant questions players may encounter.