The reason I decided not to buy an Arduino was this forum didn't answer all of my questions.
well Chuckz you seem to be disappointed... I think you need to understand that most users here are contributing out of their own interest and have no reason to sell you on an arduino... perhaps thats what you are expecting.. this forum unlike many others is not being run by a company to support its products its rather a community of people sharing knowledge... you should buy one and try to work out the answers to your questions... I'm sure once you start trying support will pour in... trust me
as for your pointers, will try and include whatever is possible in the guide i'm making