George,
I think we have found a new, fun writing voice of the newbies.
I had to wince a couple times during the description of your initial ordeal because many of us have been through a similar saga, or worse at the beginning.
My only comment is to set yourself up for a good, long term experience, instead of any short cuts that hang around your neck seemingly forever.
I've come to understand that almost any TC lash up is possible to take.....for a while anyway. Safely? Not so much. Just do what you want to do and see what happens. But, be sure to make another report for us.
jefe