First and last

To the Rabbi, peace be upon you.
In the scholastic-analytical columns, after the analytical presentation, the Rabbi turned to various methods of the Rishonim and Acharonim and discussed them in light of the analytical analysis. Ostensibly, in light of the Rabbi’s method, this discussion is unnecessary. Contrary to the traditional approach, the Rishonim and Acharonim have no authority in the eyes of the Rabbi – only the Talmud – and the student’s own understanding. So why discuss all these methods? We will be content with studying the Gemara and analyzing the issue analytically.
A related question is found in a halakhic responsa in which the rabbi sometimes refers to the Shulchan Aruch and its subjects or to various first and last methods. Even there, it is not necessary for the rabbi to give his opinion without considering those methods. So why mention them?