Oshyan, here is my problem (and maybe some others share this with me) - understanding. I'm certain that if I understand the core of TG2, I'll find a certain outcome which will be as you say that I can "...decide specifically how to use those functions to achieve their [my] goals."
I think my challenge is coming to TG2 with minimal experience and a vague understanding of TG.9 only to come here with a wealth of information pouring out from generous and gifted users who definitely have the basic understanding that I seem to lack. Many of these (without naming any) have great strengths in a certain field of understanding, whether graphics, numbers, previous TG, or even just a general high intelligence. I love it and, at times, find it easy to want to complain that I don't know what the hell is going on.
Over time I expect to grasp more and more and I'm grateful we have such help from you and the many others here who appear to me to be very willing to help poor old calico get through the muck of ignorance.
Thanks for your early morning post. I can't believe you're either still up or an incredibly early riser.