seems to me to be something that only works if you're young, have good genetics, and/or cheat.

I usually lift reasonably intensely six days a week while consuming at least a gram of protein per day per pound of body weight (as well as supplementing with creatine). But when I go into a caloric surplus, the only "bulking" that ever seems to occur is between the bottom of my ribcage and the tops of my hips.