i've heard/read the same thing somewhere before. couldn't tell you where, though (although i want to say it was video, not print).
however, from what i remember, it was either from a source not close to the development of the mask, or was just a way of phrasing how they were trying to describe the mask - i don't remember having the understanding that the "gort" mask was strictly intended as a mechanical interpretation from its inception.
one thing that has always made me a big fan of this mask is it's design similarities to the terminator endoskeleton - really cool congruence for an important effects studio, kind of marking the pinnacle of their design prowess.