I tend to agree with you. The steps should be taught, learned, worked andexperienced out of the big book. I am fortunate to have a sponsor who does just that. And am fortunate to live in a place where that is fairly common.
AA is not therapy, individual or group. The original Fellowship did not use workbooks, worksheets or various exercises. They didn't use the 12 x12, either.
How do you know what someone will do as a sponsor? My only thought on that is ask and talk about it.