First off, I dont think size of the index is a good measure of quality as many torrents can be low-quality with no seeds or simply dead.

Also doesnt the fact that this 'study' is just some blog post give pause to the editors?

How about the fact that the "editor's pick" is a random bt site that noone has ever heard of.

1. Make website btjunkie.com
2. Write blog 'comparing' it to other bt sites.
3. ???
4. Profit!

// 3 is submit blog to slashdot