Nah your not bein an ass coz I know how some of these threads can become so I understand your concerns. Helpful posts from credible growers should be welcomed because they can raise some good points but any type of thank you comments etc should either be posted in your other thread or by way of +Reps.
Id be mainly watering around the edges of the newly potted plant so the roots have to reach out further to get a good feeding. I know nothing about hydroton so does it retain moisture?
Well the plants will let you know if they are not happy with it and if they want more or less so it should work out alright. Post up some pics of your complete setup when u get it goin so I know exactly what your doin.
Tie her down first and then trim. That way you can see what branches and what growth to keep. Basically 1/4 of the lower growth can be trimmed off but leave all the branches on so we can see what we have to work with.
I drill holes around the rim of the pot so I can tie the plant down to it like pictured below. I sometimes go crazy with the tying to fill out every space possible. You can see that by the way I have bent and trained the branch to grow in the direction I want.