Yea, I see what you're saying, that works too. I'm a weightlifter so I like intensity and explosive strength more than mass. The 1 to 3 reps is pure strength. What the powerlifter is telling you is the following: 3-5 reps for a combination of mass and strength. The higher the number of reps, the more the focus on mass. I do agree, however, that you need to test your 1 rep max fairly often since that's the way to measure your progress (in this specific case).
For me, maxing out happens once every week but I train with a high intensity and sub-max weights. The powerlifter is right; max out relatively frequently since when you're doing 3-5 reps it's hard to go near your max. If you can do near your max at 3-5 reps, then your max is higher than you think it is (theoretically speaking, that is).
I disagree with real number values on anything, though. If you can increase 5-10 lbs then that's great. It all depends on how you feel on that specific day. As long as you constantly increase, then you're making progress, which is what you're aiming for in the first place.
One thing I forgot to mention that you talked about at the beginning - long arms. I'm 6'3 with fairly long arms as well, so I know where you're coming from. This is directly from weightlifting but it works anywhere. Tall guys have an advantage in the snatch. All we do is grip wider so that the distance the bar travels vertically is shorter. Do that with your bench. Grip the bar wider so the vertical distance it moves up and down is shorter. Keep in mind, grip it so that it's comfortable, you don't want to injure yourself. | 
Team Johnnie Jackson / Pretty Boys
