FJ - It just seemed to me you were getting angsty at Kel about the role and limitations of a doula.
The way I see it, a doula, as well as the birthing mother, is going to be compromised in terms of being able to reach full potential, by being in an adversarial environment to begin with. A doula can uphold a birth plan better if there is respect for the plan to begin with...and I'll go back round on myself and reiterate that choice of birthing environment will enhance the power of the birth plan. In most cases it's your choice; Medicalised or not?
To me, the role of doula is not primarily to be translator for the medicos and hospy midwives - she's there to support the mother and direct the father during birth (if he needs directing). To me, that's her main training. To have one that is a good advocate, that's when word of mouth comes in, as it's probably an 'added bonus' as far as doula's go!