If you've ever spent any time around a grounded welding table, you'll notice that there is often a spark between the work and the table when an arc is struck, that can happen inside a bearing if the current passes through it, causing a pit, and subsequent early failure. That's why people recommend placing the ground as close as possible, plus you get a better weld with a secure close ground. As for the battery disconnect, with the newer stuff that's loaded with mosfets, you definitely want to open the circuit that could introduce spurious voltages. Even on the older stuff with steam gauges, why risk cooking an alternator diode, plus, as stated, it gives you a chance to clean the terminals.