1) I own the Nancy Clark book. It's excellent.
2) I lost 36 pounds on WW and am now at goal. I subscribed to Hungry Girl to see what all the fuss was about. I would not eat 99% of the junk (which seems like paid placement to me) that she promotes via the email.
3) WW, like any "diet" or "program", is all about what YOU make of it. I've never bought a WW product, and eat virtually no processed foods. My diet is whole grains, lean proteins and piles of fresh fruits and veggies. What WW provides for *me* and for most people who have been successful at it, is a structure inside which we can learn how to eat healthfully and exercise portion control. For life.
4) Sporty Sam, as you said - your old leader is a crackpot. Our bodies require FUEL to exercise. Food does not make us fat. Carbohydrates do not make us fat. Heck, FAT does not make us fat. What makes us fat is an excess of calories in over calories out. Period. Consistently consume fewer calories than you burn and you WILL lose weight.

Susan