The problem is that media is ever changing, and every drive's compatability is different.
For example, Taiyo Yuden is generally considered to be one of the best media types available, if not *THE* best. But my friend's Pioneer DVR-106 (considered one of the most compatable drives, if not THE most compatable) cannot burn Taiyo Yuden's 8x DVD+Rs properly (the DVR-106 is a 4x drive, but even has problems burning at 4x on the 8x media).
These little inconsistancies can make a general guide very difficult to make

Punch Cards -> Paper Tape -> Tape Drive -> 8" Floppy Diskette -> 5 1/4" Floppy Diskette -> 3 1/2" "Flippy" Diskette -> CD-R -> DVD±R -> BD-R
The Progression of Computer Media