I like all this "food for thought " and debate.
All of great interest. I get a little obsessive about things , too
I was stalled 10 months, if you can call it that, in fact my tweaks put 12 lb back on Not a real stall I guess, moving in the wrong direction.....) but with no cheats, and doing it properly, I felt at times so frustrated and tearful.
at times Ive read things I didnt want to...like...dont worry so much, relax... and I want to shout back 'well, Wouldnt You be worried! '. But its true advice.kindly meant.

Eventually though, I got some 'tweaks', with a lot of support from everyone, that are currently working. Lost 8 lb of the 12. Hope it continues !

In some ways I regret 10 months messing about . But has it been wasted time ? No !! Ive learnt a lot, made some friends, and somewhere along the way, its turned into a WOL without me being aware of it. Im not dieting anymore, or different, or making special efforts, its just what I do.