Jothar, many of us follow the shita of the Shulchan Aruch and Remo on Ad Dlo Yoda. This isn’t a “mistaken notion.” Also, the shita of sleeping is based on the person falling asleep as a result of the drinking. (i.e. the alcohol puts him to sleep.)
BTW, you’ve mentioned the Mishna Brura on other threads. The MB paskens in accordance with the Remo (that one should become intoxicated) but then adds that it is better not to become intoxicated if it could affect one’s observance of other mitzvos, such as davening or birkas hamozon. But the MB’s ikur psak is to become intoxicated.
I’m not familiar with the distinction you made between night and day, but I’ll take your word on it for now.