Ok, a little about whey. Whey is a terrific protein, with a very high biological value(BV), a high level of the branch chain amino acids, and high levels of growth factors. It is highly anabolic and is absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly...this can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.
Pre-workout is a good time to take in whey because if you are on a low carb diet plan and wish to stay away from carbs before a workout, whey's amino acids will be absorbed and quickly converted into substances that your body can use to fuel your workout. This will prevent your body from stripping amino acids from your muscles, and putting you in a catabolic state.
Post workout is the best time to use whey, as at this time your body needs amino acids as quickly as possible and there is no protein that will provide them quicker than whey. This is what makes whey highly ANABOLIC.
On the other side of the coin, it is also beneficial for us to have proteins that are absorbed more slowly and provide an ANTI-CATABOLIC effect. This is where whole food proteins and protein blends...composed of micellar casein, albumin, and/or soy...show their strength.
These slower proteins will release amino acids into your system in a "trickle" like manner thereby keeping a steady stream of aminos moving into your system over the course of several hours. This is advantageous when you will be going more than 3 hours between meals and especially before bed, when we will be going on a 6-8 hour "fast."
Whey is absorbed too quickly for general use throughout the day and is best left for pre, and especially post, workout.
I hope this explains thing a little better for everyone
