Does the number of championships really matter?

Short answer, IMO; Yes.

I hear what he's getting at, but at the end of the day it's just another piece of "if's and buts" journalism. As the Viz notes, "if my grandma had wheels she'd be a bus."

Does the best driver always win? Certainly not. But that doesn't diminish the achievement of whoever does. Do it consistently, and you begin to get mentioned among the greats.

I doubt there's many here who could name who came second or third more than a few years ago. WDC's are remembered.

So, yes, # of titles matter. At least in historical terms.

Cheers,
Ian