If you run the math, stocks do better in the short-term in taxable than in a 401k plan. The 401k plan will get taxed at ordinary income tax rates, while stock held over a year gets a tax advantage. As a simple example:
$1000 invested in 401k and doubles. The $1000 growth is taxed at 25% upon withdrawal.
$1000 invested in taxable, in stock fund and doubles. The $1000 growth is taxed at 15% upon withdrawal.
(Both assume the median tax bracket of 25% ordinary, 15% long-term capital gains)
Which leads to my conclusion: keep the company match (free money!), then invest in taxable. Not only will you have a good tax rate, but if you want to retire 10 years early you can pull the money out without dealing with a retirement plan.
I think this is incorrect - it is nearly always better to max out the tax-advantaged accounts before moving on to taxable. The $1000 in your second scenario is post-tax money, hence he/she presumably had to earn $1333 first, which after being taxed 25%, became $1000. So a fair comparison would have $1333 being contributed to the 401(k), then doubling to $2666 and finally being taxed.
Scenario 1: Start with $1333, put in 401(k), grows to $2666, withdraw and pay 25% income tax. So you end up with $2000.
Scenario 2: Start with $1333, pay $333 income tax leaving $1000, invest in taxable account, grows to $2000, pay $150 in capital gains tax. So you end up with $1850.