I have done it on my own, online and meetings. I perfer the meetings. But obviously that's not an option for you. I really didn't care for online, some people do and that is GREAT for them. I feel taht if meetings are an option it's far better and for the money you can get recipes, boards, support ect here for FREE, and elsewhere on the web, plus you can buy inexpensive software to help calculate nutrion for recipes that can be converted to points.
When I was online I didn't see where you could buy printed materials, maybe it's there but I found stuff like cookbooks and such but not points sliders ect. I didn't like not having a calculator in my kitchen or one to take out and about with me. I hated being tied to the computer. I don't like the WW boards, I have had the same experience as you anytime I posted. So I perfer here.
But if online is your only option, I recommend finding or buying (ebay ect) the at home package or at least a slider or caluclator. I find the "Dining Out Companion", and the "Complete Food Guide" really helpful and carry them in my purse.
As far as core vs. points. I perfer points, it just fits my life. I really think you have to give both a try to see what works for you. B/c core foods are packed with healthy stuff, filling and LOW in points I mostly eat those b/c I get more bang for my points buck. If you only ahve the one free week you could try both....meaning eat only form the core list, but kind of track points so you see how that program pans out as well. If you are tired of counting core may be right for you.

Best of luck!!!!