To answer your question about RA docs....yes I think they are all touched in the head. My doc now, is the best one I have had and he has the personality of a rock. He also wears funky bowties. No idea on that one.
As for figuring out what is what....everyone is right knowledge is the best form of knowing. Familiarizing yourself with FM, CFS and CIDFS all of which are similar but not the same thing and have some of the same syptoms, which is as frustrating as all get out by the way.
Again I would take a look at the book I mentioned, if you can't afford the book, sit down with it at the bookstore and read it there.
I know its confusing and frustrating. We were all there at one point or another and some of us are still frustated eventhough we have had the diagnosis for years.
Please again, if you have any questions at all feel free to ask.