See I would completely disagree with this. I think you should know how to diet and train, and know your body pretty well, but why wait and where do you draw the line? Should you wait to try protein powder until nothing else works, wait to try creatine until protein powder is not enough, etc. I think after diet and training are in check, and you are a mature adult who knows his body, AAS is just one necessary piece of the puzzle.
It may sound wrong but the number one reason I do this is not for my health. It's too look good although health is a concern. Why not get the body I want at 25 or 26 instead of waiting until I hit me natural peak. It's all about sane and responsible use no matter when you start, and responsible means educated.
I strongly disagree with you, friend.
Reaching your genetic potential naturally is very important, because it is wasted opportunity to grow naturally if you don't. The more you grow naturally, the more you will be likely to grow on steroids.
Example: If you get to 200lbs naturally, you are likely to get to 220 lbs first cycle of test alone. If you get to 180 lbs naturally, you are likely to get to 200 lbs on first cycle of test alone. You know what I'm pointing at?
Also, you'll know that you've reached your genetic potential when you've been training for many years, have tried several different exercise programs (5x5, Max OT, DC, etc...) and have shocked your body several times after you hit a plateau, and after a while, you feel like you have stoppped "growing" or you have reached a point where you are not getting "bigger" despite the fact that you may be getting stronger and better at bodybuilding...your diet is on check, your "rest" is perfect...you workout is second to none, and you've stopped growing at 200 lbs with 11% BF. That is your genetic potential (best way I know how to explain it)
Now you 25-26, your body is in great shape (naturally) and you're a very experienced bodybuilder.
Now it's time to hit a test only cycle (as a first cycle) with 250-350 mgs of test (pref. a long ester) and roll with it for 8 weeks. Do a proper PCT. Take a break for a few months (pref. longer than time on = time off for first cycle)
Then you can hit test alone again at a higher dosage, i.e. 350-500 mgs a week for 10 weeks (instead of 8). Do proper PCT and take time off = 1.5 x time on.
Third cycle would be test @ 500 mgs ew for 10 weeks + your choice of (decca, equipose, or an dbol / anadrol)
Take a good PCT, time on = time off.
And so on and so forth...