Charlie,
If the code doesn't say the load to be served is from article 220 (which has the part for BRANCH circuits), then what is it? You seem to say it is anything you want. Well, if there is no equipment for the receptacle, then I guess to load is 0 and I can put all the receptacles in the building on one circuit. Do you really think that is what code says? Just because 210 doesn't specifically say "use article 220" I also don't think it says to use article 250 for grounding, but we have to follow it.
If the code doesn't say the load to be served is from article 220 (which has the part for BRANCH circuits), then what is it? You seem to say it is anything you want. Well, if there is no equipment for the receptacle, then I guess to load is 0 and I can put all the receptacles in the building on one circuit. Do you really think that is what code says? Just because 210 doesn't specifically say "use article 220" I also don't think it says to use article 250 for grounding, but we have to follow it.