To each their own but this isn't the 1970's anymore. Materials engineering has changed a lot since then.
I use anti-seize where it is called for it but never on spark plugs or lug nuts.
Anti seize works great on lug nuts, used sparingly. Then I reduce the TQ to 90 ft lbs. It could probably go a lot less. Ever look at construction bolts, like ASTM A-325 bolts (grade-5) ? The charts will provide for a 'wet'..and 'dry' TQ rating. (wet = lubricated with never seize, etc). It's a huge difference too, for each bolt size. Some example for the big bolts were like '525 ft lbs dry...and 375 ft lbs wet', etc, etc.
I use a lot of galvanized construction bolts, anchor rods etc when constructing radio towers. I went a few go arounds with the engineers at Portland bolt...in Portland Ore.
The gist is, you are not after TQ per se, you are after tightness, mashing 2 x surfaces together. With the lube on the threads, less TQ is required for a given tightness.
On stuff, like SS bolts, they have to be lubed, or they will dry weld together. I learned that the hard way, when using SS nylock nuts on SS bolts. The nylock nut would seize..and it was still 2 x threads from even touching, wtf?
On wheel lugs, it just makes getting em on and off easier each spring....and again in the fall.
A buddy of mine went on a hunting trip way out in the bush, 400 miles north of me, and of course ended up with a flat tire. No lube on the lugnuts..and of course, the dipshit 16 yr old kid who last rotated his tires 'went nuts' with the impact wrench. Buddy had a fuck of a time getting em off with the mickey mouse tire iron on his GM truck.
A thin layer of never seize at least keeps any surface rust from forming. Having said that, the local tire shop gave me supreme shit for using never seize. They are convinced the tires will...'fall off'. I check em with the 2' long TQ wrench..and they don't budge....still 90 ft lbs. I swap between rain tires and the bigger tires each fall..and again in spring. Never heard of a tire coming off due to use of never seize on lug nuts after 50 yrs, so I have to call BS on that wife's myth.