As far as the teacher’s guides being laid out clearly, here is my opinion, for what it is worth:
1. Heart of Dakota is laid out the best, but we found the book choices ‘dry’ (i.e. boring).
2. My Father’s World is laid out well, and the book choices were still a little ‘dry’.
3. Sonlight – soooo much work and not friendly to combining subjects. This may not be an issue for you, but it was for us.
Using the SCM guide is perfect for us and we love the book choices (though I still supplement with things I happen to like). To me, it is the best overall program and the most ‘do-able’ for our family.
Please keep in mind that you won’t get a scripted lesson with any of these programs. They will give you a few pointers, but if you are looking for “Say: blah, blah, blah” then you aren’t really going to get too much of that.
I have learned that my husband and I are really the best custom curriculum designers for our children :).