To answer your specific question, I have not ever seen such a technical primer, although such a reputable guide is really necessary in an industry where many of the prepress “professionals” are in fact relying on word-of-mouth urban legends as their guides to what is correct and printable PDF. Many also act Luddites in terms of embracing newer, more reliable PDF print publishing workflows (such as use of PDF file with live transparency and ICC color management as well as not converting calibrated RGB imagery to process CMYK other that at the RIP itself).
If I can find (or write) such a primer, I'll report back to this forum with same!
- Dov