[llamabeast]

Nice post, but I only have time to respond to a couple of things (I'm meant to be working!).

As regards multiplayer, if you take a look in the multiplayer forum regularly, there are often games recruiting players. Also I host games for newbies quite often. You shouldn't feel obliged to play a newbie game though, it's fine to jump in at the deep end (although you will probably get pasted by experienced players it's still fun). Anyway if you're interested in playing in the next newbie game PM me and I'll let you know when I start it up.

Also, "makes me a sad panda" - I've not heard that before, it's brilliant!