So, wen’t back and read the article on the other site. Did not research other narratives (aka “numerous threads” with a “smattering of comments”). The author only admits to having it on the original USB-C charger for “minutes” and then lists a laundry list of other things he did without letting us know how long each additional potential charging task took (was it 5-seconds on the next cable, and then on to the next?). They also didn’t state how long it was on the mag-safe until it showed any signs of life, other than it was fully booted after 10 minutes.
Diagnostically, this whole thing could have happened in reverse (started with MagSafe) with nothing after “minutes” and then ended up using the USB-C and it was fully booted after 10 minutes - and the article would be about some conspiracy theory about a fault with MagSafe and the new phone line-up.
Could there be a problem with USB-C charging? Possible. Is MagSafe the solution? Maybe. Is this an author jumping the gun get get out an article for engagement and clicks? Likely.
But hey, they got me to read and comment - so I guess it works.