I'd have to agree that the deadlift is an essential lift, especially for beginners. It builds good all-around strength and forces the body to act as a unit rather than isolating body parts. I actually do clean pulls instead of dl's, but to each their own.

Destrous and Ironfist,

I just found out that T-Mag did a two part interview with Pavel about his concepts. I only scimmed through it, but you can get a good idea about the concepts he employs.

Part 1:

http://www.t-mag.com/articles/151russ.html

Part 2:

http://www.t-mag.com/articles/152russ.html

"Who's house?"
"I said RUN's house."