I don't think you can make a good intonation without correct pronunciation. Pronunciation includes not only the right vocal but also the correct stress. Intonation is about word flow and sentence stress. When you pronounce every word correctly in a sentence, your intonation is 70% correct. You might sound a little bit weird but people will not misunderstand you. But if you mispronounce three words in a sentence, I don't think your message can be delivered.
Also good intonation is a much subtle and subjective thing to learn and master which acquire massive listening and imitation.
For my point of view, there is no shortcut in English learning and every progress requires hard work.
I agree people might have their own preferred ways to learn English. The way working for me is: Pronounce every word impeccable and train the mouth muscles until it can naturally make the smooth word flows.
Thanks for sharing the article.