Wordy doesn't mean, "uses a lot of words." Wordy means, "uses too many words given the idea to be conveyed." The opposite of wordy is not "picture-based." The opposite of wordy is, "succinct."
Turgid prose is not, and should not be, an essential component of academic work. As an academic, I cringe when I read a wordy article. In contrast, I delight in authors who demonstrate an economy of words. Don't mistake long-winded explanations or obfuscating jargon with theoretical depth; verbiage detracts from message.
I agree, but I don't think Rich is particularly guilty on this score.