I disagree with Elisheva's characterization of those who like the WAB as
looking only for philosophy or for "permission to breastfeed." However,
the WAB I read the first time was the 87 Edition.  I loved it then,
and since it's updates in 1991 and 1997, the 6th Revised Edition, I
think it has only gotten better.
With a nursing nine month old (when I finally went looking for
breastfeeding support), I was looking mostly for reinforcement for a way
of mothering that I knew in my heart was right but that I couldn't find
anywhere else, books or people.  The WAB gave me that sense of
"all-rightness" as a new mom that we say characterizes the behavior of
breastfed children.
I agree about "different books for different moms", and I have always
recommended the WAB for moms particularly for the accurate, solid
information presented in a warm and commonsensical way (and not just
because I am a LLL Leader!).
I also am unlikely to read an "instructive" book cover to cover.  As a
mom, I used the WAB as a first-line reference--and rarely found it
wanting.  The only time I read it cover-to-cover was when I was a Leader
applicant, and then, yes, I did read it for it's philosophy.  As a
counselor and as a mother, I rely on the WAB to center and focus me on
the needs of the baby.
By the way, I don't think it's at all scandalous to critique anything
this way.  I don't believe in sacred cows, certainly not here in VT!

Diane, LLLL in Vermont