But I wouldn't insult my ricer (found for a couple of bucks in an antique store) by putting Velveta in it (let alone bringing the stuff into the house. Certainly Dreaded Guest can find a conspiracy theory regarding Velvete polluting the American food supply?)
It sounds like some of these recipes are more along the lines of custards, while others use sauces. Interesting. The PBS test kitchen program they play these days did mac and cheese and did more of the custard approach. Sounded way too complicated for a dish that should be fast, easy, and cheap.