Interesting. I was always under the impression that Albini was a bit intimidated by working with Plant & Page, even going as far as to say something along the lines of "Would you tell Jimmy Page that solo he just played isn't as good as he is capable of" (again, can't remember the exact wording now).
That suggests that he wasn't as in control of the whole thing, in my view.
Also, who suggested that Albini was brought on board? I'm guessing Plant?
Regardless, I still maintain there is some great material on WIC, and the stripped-down nature of it appeals to me, rather than repels me.