If there is a concern that the number of lookup tables will exponentially grow and you wont know where anything is....I guess that is a different topic.
And hence forth, you know why I created this...
It would be good to have the simplicity of your single lookup table with a simple design back end. Perhaps wrapping many lookup tables in a single access point through a view is an option but like I said that is a different topic. If the design works for you then it works for you.
On another note I do appreciate you sticking your head out and writing the article on what is a common database design issue. I'd hate to think that I had contributed to an environment where discussion was negative and not constructive. You have your opinion on your design and its merits and I gave a response. Let's leave it at that.
-- JP