Pitchers can achieve the same results (whatever that may be) after a long outing by using a stationary bike. Running is kind of tough on the knees.
Some pitchers prefer ice, some don't, anything one does is usually a matter of preference.
I'll agree that LD running can help overall conditioning and doesn't hurt anything as long as you aren't using it in place of something that helps more - like sprints. Very good point that the same aerobic conditioning can be attained through other methods that are less stressful on the joints.
Here's my ultimate opinion on icing. It doesn't help recovery, but probably only retards it a little bit. So, mainly, I see it as a physical waste of time. However, I can buy into the argument that you make which I read as being basically, if it's a personal choice, any recovery loss from icing is probably at the very least compensated for by the magic of confidence in the process. In other words - to each his own or "whatever floats your boat."