As far as I'm concerned if the desired result is to eliminate the peaks and retain the valleys, it's still plateau honing. Even if you do it in 23 steps wearing a tinfoil hat... It's still plateau honing.
You're absolutely right. I was referring to these things that Sunnen refers to as Plateau brushes. I started noticing some things when I used them and have moved away from them. BTW I only "plateau hone" wearing Burlap undies and a wool turtleneck. J.Rob