MNews Groups: Tor and Socks vs SSL News Provider

Can someone explain to me the difference in encryption and anonymity when comparing an SSL news provider to using Agent, TOR, FreeCap?

I'm sorry I'm not better at this stuff. I assume that the purely SSL provider using Agent would simply encrypt the information going both ways, given that the SSL was two way, but encrypt the data all the way from the client to the server. The Agent, TOR, FreeCap combination would encrypt the data from the client to the exit node of the TOR server, provide anonymity, but leave the data unencrypted between the non SSL new provider and the tor exit and entrance nodes?

Using both would give anonymity plus encrypt everything from the server to the client?

Also, if you are using an SSL News provider and Agent, does Agent do this decryption automatically at the client, much like a SSL browser does for HTTP? Or how does data get encrypted both directions?

Fascinating stuff and thanks for all who respond!