[phimaynard]

I, too, have Ben's video which needs watching as carefully as The Book needs to be read.

Like The Book, it is not a simple "how to do" but more an illustration of the concepts involved when applying the 24 components etc.. In this respect it is a visual confirmation of what we should have in our minds eye having read The Book.

Like The Book it is a form of reference and, as such, well worth the $.

Anyone got Ben's mat? And, if so, what do you think of its usefulness?

I agree 100 %. It is not a method, nor is The Book.
In this way it brings you something different of the DVDs of McH or S&T.
I bought the desk mat at the same time as DVD. It is a very practical tool which summarizes Mr Doyle' s education, in particular the "Facts and illusions" concept. It is a usefull reminder, that can be easily consulted all the time without having to reread the DVD too often.