[lkchris]

Contradictory for sure, although imho the best advice is follow the design engineers' specification. Those at the "mechanic" level don't have the background to decide different.

Mercedes goes out of its way to warn against using anti seize on wheel bolts. Porsche specifies using it.

Bosch spark plugs forbid using it.

For the original poster ... exhaust system connections downstream from those at the cylinder head are not particularly critical, and antiseize is likely a good idea in any event. Optimoly TA is probably better than the dime store (FLAPS) stuff.