I accelerate slowly.

I am also confused by what I read.
I guess the only way to be sure is to do a good test.

Drive the exact same path both ways, accelerate hard or easy.
Do it several times, and average the results.

Make sure the car is warmed up.
Perhaps do 10 runs, alternating fast and slow.

Need fewer troops to support.
Drive a hybrid.
Best tank 71.65 MPG.

Before this car I spent two years learning hypermiling on my 2004 HCH1.