isn't it likewise in mead brewing?
nope. Mead is assembled rather than brewed. Like wine
boil it needlessly if you want. This (mead making) is a tried and true process been around for millennia. Honey has inbuilt antimicrobial properties that render it almost immune to spoilage.
Why do you you think this recipe has uber 1000's views. Answer it works.
Just had 1/2 gallon of 11 month old JAOM with friends tonight. Delicious.
If you feel the need to over complicate a proven recipe have at it.
Your concerns are groundless.
the recipe is a winner. Follow it. Chop that orange into 1/8ths and shove it in the carboy. Job done. Give it a rinse before you chop it up. (that's in the recipe too)
This is one of the simplest unfeckupable recipes out there. You are seriously overthinking it.