Sewing Pattern Magazines -- YEA or NAY?

Readers, there is still so much about sewing I don't know.

For example, those thick pattern inserts in pattern magazines.  How on earth are you supposed to trace off THIS?

This looks like something I made with Spirograph when I was six.

Does one put translucent paper on top and trace with a marker, or put dressmakers tracing paper (the kind coated with colored wax, i.e., carbon paper) underneath and trace with a tracing wheel -- or something else entirely?  I know people do it, I just don't understand how.

Longtime MPB reader Pam O. very generously sent me a copy of the Italian sewing pattern magazine "La Mia Boutique", which arrived today.  It's the May 2013 issue and includes some nice looking men's patterns, including full men's evening dress: tailcoat, vest, pants, shirt with plastron -- the works!







The smallest men's size is a 48 however, which I suspect corresponds to a men's 38" chest (32" pants) which would be too big for me, but I could be wrong.  (Anybody know for sure?)  It's weird since Italian men are often on the slim side.





There are some lovely women's patterns in this issue, nicely styled and photographed, particularly a Grace Kelly-inspired spread.





There are also some oddities.

First, doesn't this...





...look an awful lot like this? 



Next, just how tall is the model below in blue ?  Look closely -- on what planet do women with those dimensions live?



Finally, I'm no expert, but if you're going to wear a very sheer top....



...should your bra be bright white?

Most Americans sew from printed paper patterns.  We don't have our own pattern magazines like "La Mia Boutique" or "Ottobre Woman" or "Patrones" here.   (I wonder why -- tradition?)  From what I read on the sewing blogs, people are forever considering dropping their Burda (or other imported pattern magazine) subscriptions or writing scathing/hilarious commentaries on the latest issues.

I totally get the appeal of these magazines: instant traceable patterns at your fingertips, multi-sized, and (usually) contemporary looking.  Also kids patterns, men's patterns, and even craft patterns included!  But how much time does all that tracing take and how do you actually do it?

Readers, I eagerly await your opinions.

Sewing pattern magazines -- YEA or NAY?   

(And for you YEA-ers, do you have a favorite?)

"Dots a lotta look!"