As a former mentor on this board, I can tell you that any comments you make about how questions are answered are taken very seriously, considered and discussed among the mentors and moderators. The ongoing quality of how this board is run is very much in the forefront of the minds of the webmaster, mentors and the moderators.

Your point has been raised before, and it has been noted that "read the book" in and unto itself is not totally helpful advice. Mentors and moderators (and members) will often give their twist, and then supplement with "read the book", and even give page numbers which is very helpful.

On the other hand, it really is difficult to help someone who has not read the book at all (doesn't matter which book we are talking about) because it's hard to do an abridged version/ Coles notes type thing on something that is so detailed. "Reading the book" has become the measuring stick that determines the level of seriousness a person (particularly someone new) has towards their new WOL, and if they prove themselves to be serious and committed (by reading the book), and not just be a one-post-wonder, or fluffy about their plan (those who want the book to be "read to them"), they will "earn" the ongoing comprehensive answers and support they need. It may sound a bit harsh, but there are A LOT of short term dieters who flip around between plans, go on and off diets almost daily. It's very disappointing as a mentor to spend a lot of time working on an answer only to have the original poster never come back, ignore advice or continue to not take responsibility for their own WOL.

It is also a fact that those who are studiously working a plan themselves are helped by helping others. They are forced to look things up in answer to questions, and to do research. This is a double whammy benefit because they are learning and teaching at the same time. Understandably "Read the Book" by itself does neither of these things.

Another thing I can say from experience, mentors (both the crowned as such, and the ones who just mentor without the official title) can get so keen about helping peole that some will do the scattergun approach to mentoring. Which is to reach out to as many people as possible in the time they have. This can sometimes translate into answers that are brief. Sometimes I think those icons that "reward" posters based on post frequency feed into that mentalilty a little tiny bit.

Just some thoughts....