Well, Bill, I agree that front squats produce more bend in the knee than high bar back squats and I said that. It's a continuum - front squat, high-bar back squat, low-bar back squat. For me, high-bar back squats are closer to front squats but I'm willing to place them in the middle. The difference is a matter of degree and I don't think it's important to this discussion. But as to your conclusion, no, I don't agree.
I think it makes sense for such people - and I'll include Jon (the OP) and me in this group - to treat the squat precisely _as_ a movement to go ATG on, just not with a big load. And we'll save the big load for the deadlift.
Squatting is a movement pattern I want in all its full ROM glory. I barbell front squat, but I just don't barbell front squat _heavy_. And I do kettlebell goblet and front squats and, again here, ATG but not heavy. A lot of old, worn-out knees not only can _tolerate_ ATG squats, they will _benefit_ from light ATG squats.
Put another way, I don't think I want a rule that says avoid movement patterns you can't safely load heavy - keep the movement pattern in your life, keep the load light, and load heavy those movements patterns you can safely load heavy and build your strength that way.
-S-