I have that Jim Manthorpe book but have not really looked at it, as we did the TMB with a guided group of 12 (of which 6 were ourselves plus friends and family). We had a fantastic time and my husband says he would happily do it again.
We did the guided route because we have enjoyed other such trips ( Patagonia, Slovenia) and really enjoy the camaraderie and the guides' expertise----we learn a lot about history and local culture along the way. And we enjoy the carefully chosen accommodations with private rooms and excellent food; my husband refuses to stay in mountain huts with shared rooms. We are OK with shared bath down the hall, but not sleeping in a room with strangers and snorers. ,
But I should watch the RS show again and take a look at the Manthorpe book, as maybe I can figure out where Rick spent the second night( the first was near Les Contamines, I read somewhere). Of course his guide could have booked transport to a different section, leap-frogging over a stretch that was too difficult, or less scenic, or otherwise not ideal. As Ineecall, the second day of our trek, starting from Les Contamines and ending at a lovely little auberge, was tough, with lots of rocks on the descent. But it was pouring rain at the time, and we could not see any scenery, and had to just keep going to get out of the rain and avoid the lightning.
We did the route anti-clockwise from Chamonix, actually startingnat Les Houches with a cable car ride. The scenery got better each successive day, From Courmayeur on it was great (in part because the rain stopped). But I would always suggest the anti-clockwise route, with such wonderful views coming back into Chamonix from Argentiere.
