Hi Guy
I did Le Puy to Pamplona recently, and, like you, I prefer small hotels and B&B accommodation. I'm not quick enough to compete for space, hot showers etc, and I have a prob with snoring, so the dormitory situation was not for me. That said, I did have some great experiences with shared accommodation in Saugues, Espalion and other places.
When I go again I'll be taking a light tarp (Bear Paw) so I have the option to camp out. But I'll also do as before and negotiate for single accommodation at a modest price. Sometimes, twenty euros bought me luxury, sometimes more than that did not buy much at all.
I started with a map guide but found it unnecessary. The Miam Miam Dodo guides and a French mobile phone gave me all I needed. If you have a little French, MMDD could be just the thing.
If you check out our various blogs, many of us drop the odd recommendation for good places to stay. As to whether the trip is worth making...I've already said I'm going again!
You are in for a great experience. Let us know how it goes.
Rob