I don't think any brewers using any of the books or software in question are practically able to provide the high partial pressure of CO2 required to dissolve chalk, nor would the effort likely be justifiable, and the fact that this is what is required has never been made explicit in the popular sources (except for Palmer and Kaminski, but that's not a source homebrewers will come to before laboring under many misconceptions for a long time, if ever.)
I heartily agree with you on sulfate, Martin.
Maybe there are enough of these mini myths about water treatment waiting to be busted to fill up an article. I know you're plenty busy, but someone might take up the challenge.
Thanks for chiming in, and enjoy your holiday!