The best tip/trick is to get a copy of the MM Developers Guide if you don't already (it comes with the framework).

Study it very throughly and when you encounter a problem, open up the DevGuide in Word and search for the term. I usually find answers to my questions there, and if I still can't figure it out, I come here and ask. But I don't like to ask questions without really searching myself first so I don't become a pain to the others on the formum.

Good luck and I agree with you, it is an excellent framework.

Greg