I can see how this phased approach is similar to the South Beach Diet but I like the philosophy that is behind the Sonoma Diet. I find it is most often our attitudes towards food that are the route causes of weight problems.
I've been on the GI diet for quite some time now and i'm ever so grateful that it allows me to still drink a cup or two of coffee each day although I do try to cut it out altogether if I can, but like you I sometimes feel that urge. Unlike you, I cave in!