So all through my schooling and while studying for the NSCA exam, I
learned about the 'phases' of strength training and about the research
that backed the guidelines up. For example, hypertrophy being 8-12
reps, etc., Maintenance around 15 reps (maybe 20), etc.

My question is that with all the functional training and various spins
that strength coaches can put on strength training routines these
days, how much (if at all) can we vary the reps, sets, rest periods,
and/or tempo of these various phases to achive different results? Is
there really any reason to move away from the general recommendations
of, say, 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps for hypertrophy? Does anyone have
experience or know of any good sources on this topic? I've gone
through the NSCA book and looked around some more, but am looking for
info from other experts in the field to see what you all have done or
tried in the past.

Thank you!