I don’t know the ages of your children, but it is my understanding that Meaningful Composition uses much of the Pudewa’s principles (intensive, sequential and thorough) with less money, but does require teacher involvement (ask Polly how involved she had to be), so I understand, but without the DVD stuff: Cathy Duffy reviews here: http://www.grovepublishing.com/grammar-composition/meaningfulcomposition.htm they are not all available at this time, but are coming together: http://www.tfths.com/comp.php and coming soon: http://www.tfths.com/comp2.php
Other choices are Writing Strands http://www.writing-tales.com/ for the younger set (more Classical like the IEW and MC) and Apologia: Jump In, for Middle grades and esp. reluctant writers, but apparently covers it all, but less structured topics and shorter lessons (very CMish)? I know Bookworm/MIchelle has liked this for her Older boys (high school).
I think both WT and Jump In are more geared toward independant work and less teacher intensive. If I were to looking for one that can be fit into the CM style through my scheduling of it, with some of the Classical strengths you’re referring to, requiring less money and teacher pre-study and involvement, I would pick WT; it uses great lit. Depending on the age of your children, WT is more work booky than CM might recommend, I wouldn’t use it with my 10 yr. old son as he doesn’t like to write as much as is required in it. We use PLL and ILL, here and that will do till 6th, with maybe some supplementation next year-I don’t know yet.
Don’t know if I’ve helped any! Rachel
