Oh, I agree it's appropriate to tailor programs, but then complaining that your tailored version of [whatever] doesn't work so [whatever] doesn't work gets up my nose. :)

Fair enough. I'm pretty sure if your goal is to get stronger, you're going to do that just fine.

I'm thinking about it, and pullups and barbell rows both engage your lats so there's definitely similar muscle groups. I've done plenty of barbell rows with an empty bar, so you should be okay with not having plates, but I agree the form is a bit tricky - it's something my coach corrects me on more than other lifts. I guess I'm not really clear what the difference is between a barbell row and inverted row, but I'd say if pullups are your goal, substituting them isn't a bad thing.

Honestly, I do think it looks good. Good luck and have fun!