Syntax checker was for old wdl syntax i guess, it's no more.
For your second problem, you are probably missing something. If you post your script people could probably tell what your problem is.
For the support part, forum is quite helpful and active.(i am sure you are already aware of that, by reading other topics). It's just, I guess most people have no idea about syntax checker, it was on a6.(7 years back)
if you run your script with -cc, only syntax is checked.
http://www.conitec.net/beta/a-black.htm