A person who is converting from a F-1/J-1 visa to H-1/H-1B is, for all intents and purposes, arriving in country for the first time. That is because their days under the J-1/F-1 visa are "exempt" from the Substantial Presence Test (SPT).
Further, if they convert before 1 July, they WILL meet the SPT, which means the MUST file a dual-status return.
If they convert AFTER 1 July, they will NOT meet SPT, which means they CAN report dual-status, but are NOT required to. They can report as a non-resident alien, which is a MUCH simpler way to report and normally results in paying the SAME amount in taxes, and it allows them to file as soon after 1 Januaty as possible.
If you file dual-status and have not MET SPT, you must wait to meet SPT before you can file dual-status.
Clear as mud, right?? These little facts-of-life are not clearly explained by IRS Pub 519, so relying on that pub exclusively for all of the answers will lead you to make some incorrect conclusions.