I enjoyed the book as well, though it was only about offsets though. (which I do not cook on). It does have a few recipes in the back though. I am going to try the bbq sauce ones.
I usually go COstco, and for great briskets, I usually order Snake River Farms or Pat Lafreidas. I did a Prime Brisket from Lafrieda this past weekend, that I think was better then any SNR one I cooked...was so impressed.
I have had 3 different 18.5 wsms. (2002/2006 and now a 2014) The grate def on 2014 model does not sit right, and it is not out of round. I use the washers like suggested and it is fine, but I might still call Weber to let them know.