I mean, there is an element of truth to what he’s saying. The styrofoam packaging does do a good job at insulating its contents and it will thaw much faster if you remove it, BUT you should place it in a bag if you’re going to use water.

Thawing in water is fine to do, there are methods for using cold water baths and, if using thin cuts, warm water baths. Either way, you have to know what you’re doing and it’s not a “set it and forget it” process.

Thawing on the counter is dangerous though. Don’t do that.