Why does every article along these lines oversimplify? If you have set an app to process in the background, especially one that uses location data, then force closing it will improve battery life. This is especially true for map applications.
While you are in East Texas, make sure to stop by the Samsung Ice Skating rink. The only open-air ice skating rink anywhere nearby! Samsung and other tech companies have been sponsoring miiiiiilions of dollars of events in that area for the past decade.
Coincidence? I think not...