Some people long for whole language to be a program. These are rigid people who delight in having educational methods spelled out. Some people, such as those described above, will never embrace a whole language approach. And they shouldn't. And they can best teach that with which they are comfortable.
Some students also benefit from such structured programs.
Many students, especially those identified as having learning problems or for whom other strategies have not worked, need this type of sequential and orderly program. But, unless they are teaching such students, many teachers like to do their own thing. They are adept at adopting and adapting strategies and techniques and plans to meet the needs of their students. For these creative souls, whole language is an approach to teaching reading that provides them with the orientation to reading they seek. And many students thrive in reading the varied materials that are part of a whole language approach to reading.