This topic has got to be one of the most, if not the most, recurrent topics I have seen over the years. And yes, the LensTip article is often quoted by one camp or another as ammo. Most of the time I try not to get involved with a something that comes down to personal preference but thought that I would offer something to the OP.
1.
Regardless of opinions, filters MAY protect a front lens element from impact. I have had two filters smashed as the camera swung into an object and had no damage to the front element in either case. One of these was on a FA77 Ltd so that filter saved an expensive repair. And my experience, while due to stupidity and occupied hands, is not unique.
2.
UV filters are not required on digital cameras. As Na Horuk pointed out, digital sensors are not affected by UV so the argument about which UV filter to use is moot on modern cameras. Accordingly, most of us are moving to clear glass to protect our lenses from dust, salt, or stupidity.
3.
Coatings do make a difference, as does the construction and materials used in making the filter.
* Hoya uses aluminum to make their filter rings; this material can gall when attached to the aluminum threads of your lens and that filter can be a bear to get off when this happens. B+W uses brass and they do not gall.
* Hoya coatings are okay but they are hard to clean, even with most lens solutions and microfiber cloths. B+W filters come clean easily. I've also been impressed with Marumi filters of late; they come clean pretty easily, too, and their cost is attractive. Now if they only used a brass filter ring ...
We get all hot and bothered by tests on image degradation by filter A vs filter B but, in my experience, an oil-smeared filter of any make will degrade the image a lot more. Coatings matter. Oh, and just to be clear, I own many Hoya filters and like them. I just hate cleaning them.
4.
A filter is another reflecting surface that can be a source of flare. If you choose to put one on then be aware of this. You would be amazed how many folks think that flare is caused only when the sun is somewhere in the shot; it can be caused by light reflecting off the subject or anything else in the field of view. A hood works most of the time but not all of the time. Again, this is where the coatings can make a difference. Moving a foot or two either way does almost as much at times.
In the end, the choice of whether to use a filter is a personal one and finding others to validate your choice is easy, whichever way you go. I own 28 lenses and every one has either a UV or clear glass filter on it so there's a 50:50 chance I'm already on your side.