Here's the way it works for me. I mentioned this a while ago on the thread about 'unrealistic AV recognition'. My Big Plan helps me recognize my AV by defining it. Thoughts about alcohol aren't AV unless they make me uncomfortable in the light of my BP. It is my BP that pushes them over the fence into AV land where I can recognize them.
A safety net made of willpower is one way of describing a BP, but for me it is also a tool that engages my recognition/mindful awareness. It allows me to answer the question - is this particular thought about alcohol from my AV? Part of the recognition aspect of AVRecognitionT.
SoberKnitter, I do agree that for me the function of my BP has changed, and the willpower part has taken second place to the awareness part. Thank goodness for that! Oscar Wilde and I share that difficulty with the whole temptation thing.