Linear works no doubt and is great for beginner to intermediate lifters as it helps to avoid training retardation/ADD, but I think it becomes limited at more advanced stages. That's not to say that nobody had build great strength on linear periodisation, there's a lot of evidence to the contrary, but I do think there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support non-linear periodisation over linear, and furthermore, that advanced/elite lifters regularly use auto-regulation in their training.
I think an important rule of thumb would be that beginner/intermediate should stick to their program as they're not experienced enough to auto-regulate properly and safely, however more advanced lifters can make far greater gains through auto-regulation.