1. I prefer a higher intake up to 1 gram per lb as I tend to lift VERY heavy and my workouts are taxing. Brief, but taxing. .5 is sufficient in most regards. I also love to cook many different things.
2. Right on about the USRDA! Easy to meet when you eat a lot of Fruits!
I take in 1g/lb or more also. It's quite easy to do and won't do any harm.
I'll refine the list a bit, if I may. I always strife for the simplest written form possible. I also resorted the list a bit:
Basic Principles:
- A minimum daily protein intake (1g/lb bodyweight is sufficient for everyone),
- a variety of food good enough for proper nutrient intake (e.g. USRDA which can easily be met),
- a deficiency of calories which leads to 1-3 lbs of weight loss per week,
- hard weight training at least 3 times a week.
Factors of minimal, no, or even negative influence are:
- the ratio of macro nutrients other than defined by the rules above,
- abandonment of alcohol,
- intake of "supplements",
- proper spacing of meals during the day,
- cardio training.