The idea of using another person's writing as a model reminded me of a part in Finding Forrester when Forrester gives Jamal a piece that he wrote and tells him to copy it until his own words come.

"Indeed this is what individualized learning through transactional co-construction of strategies means--constructing learning in personally meaningful terms through shared transactions with texts, with other writers, and with teachers."

The idea that we can combat over-crowded classrooms with small learning communities that have the power to tailor learning to individual students through strategies and socializing seems like it has powerful implications, however I think it assumes learner motivation and autonomy.
I like the distinction between strategies and formulas because it reminds us that learning is a personal journey, that there's no microwavable option when showing students how to write, maybe more importantly how to think critically.