OR calibrate to a fixed contrast ratio and soft proof.
Agreed. There are two separate but related questions here:
(i) Can he get a good screen to print match?
(ii) Will a matte paper give the look he wants?
The answer to the first question is yes, although print viewing conditions are an important factor. Also, it's easier with some monitors than others. No point saying that it can't be done to those who've done it.
The answer to the second question is less clear, and really only the OP can decide that. I agree that matte paper is better suited to some images than others.
But to suggest that matte is the wrong paper simply because there isn't a good screen to print match is to confuse the two issues.