Right, I agree. I'm only addressing technique here though. Build some proper motor patterns, cues or whatever you want to call it. Then start working up in weight.
AKA Neuromuscular facilitation. An untrained person's neuro system has trouble stabilizing and performing proper ROM etc. Using lighter weights at the start trains the neuro system to fire properly and thus, learning proper form and stability. So yes, you were correct
That said, for the purposes of bodybuilding, the long term research has shown reps of anywhere between 6-12 to be effective. We also now see that longer rest periods trump the short rest periods that BBers thought were better because, well, long rest periods were for PLers, and short were for BBers. Nope, no longer the case. Longer rest periods of 3-5 mins, even with a BBing routine has better results for hypertrophy and strength.
There are a few exceptions to the rules though. For instance, when performing leg extensions, reps up to even 25 were shown to be very effective. Heavy leg extensions are probably a bad idea anyway, so this is a no brainer.
Lastly, adding weight every week is what we call progressive overload. You have to remember, progressive overload has its limits. You cant just add weight every week, for the rest of your life. Add only enough to stay in the safe rep range.
I think most others hit on everything else that needed to be said.
