I think what Mr. P was saying was that how can you judge a products worth without having it in your mits, though if you are not into geo board scenario's or have enough of them then it wont be good value for you if you are not intrested in the articles either.
How ever I think the majority will be intrested in the journal and if you play just two scenario's from it are well in credit for the price paid. Many hobby mags are not far behind the cost of the Journal without game play in them.
The proof of the pudding is in sales, something it will have a plenty even though it does not come with a potato stamped with ASL.
Also the point about coming with map and/or counters, why would it. The vast majority of annuals and journals have all come without this extra trappings and to be honest I would much preffer a regular YEARLY Journal than once a blue moon with all the extra's that I may or may not get round to. I'd buy it with them as well but am looking forward to the Journal more because it does not come with these things this time.
On another subject, I hope the WO bonus board/pack will be sold in the UK through UK outlets as the cost of tax collection will stop me getting it as the starter kit one just was silly money with the charge added (not a lot of change out of £20 (or $35ish in funny money).
Ian