I do think more hitters could learn to swing more early in counts. Not everyone, but there are some.
I also don't think anyone in baseball can do the same thing every time expecting the same result. If you begin swinging at the first pitch every time you'll begin getting junk for pitch 1 much more often. The pitchers wouldn't even give you junk every time because they mostly know better than to repeat too much.
Generally looking for the first pitch you can get good wood on is something I've heard good hitters talk about. Also hear them talk about knowing when to take pitches.
Rickey's walks were unique to Rickey's stance. He could also put the first pitch in the bleachers though. I think finding the balance between too patient and too impatient is up to the hitter and is a buildup of many choices decided in the moment. Guys who walk up to the plate planning for an outcome better be Babe Ruth or they're likely to find the opposite. Many strikeouts have started with the guy in the box expecting a HR or even a BB.