(the general case is much less explored, and the article provides no evidence either way, unfortunately)
It is most likely that the cramming phase is an effective though limited way to break the novice threshold, though any knowledge gained here will be by necessity shallow. A later phase of slow and deliberate practices allows this initial mental structures to be settled in a pattern of competence an maybe provide the seedlings of insight that may be cultivated into true mastery of the subject.
Good for making progress on a side project and yet horrible for learning.
I think slow and steady combined with a few sprints each year is optimal. I do 1 hour/day most of the year and then 40+ hours/week for two non-consecutive months.
In practical terms, spaced repetition is with no doubt the best method for remembering things, and you could either see it as slow and steady, or repetetive cramming. For understanding things, I don't know of a good method; but it seems like understanding 'keeps better' as long as you remember the relevant facts.
