All of the "bad" examples shown have common issues that are ignored by this article. They use inconsistent styles for their fields (particularly when mixing buttons and dropdowns). They also do not group all fields together as one form. Instead, the size field is presented in some other part of the page, making it difficult for users to navigate through the form.
Meanwhile, the "good" examples all use consistent styles for the fields and group all fields together in the same part of the page.
Dropdowns might be part of the problem, but considering the examples given in this article, I think that problem is being significantly overstated. I would caution against forming any general opinions about dropdowns from just this article.
Meanwhile, the "good" examples all use consistent styles for the fields and group all fields together in the same part of the page.
Dropdowns might be part of the problem, but considering the examples given in this article, I think that problem is being significantly overstated. I would caution against forming any general opinions about dropdowns from just this article.