I'm having a hard time understanding the "pin" issue or my Russian 91 just doesn't have the issue. The pin is able to be screwed in and out even with my fingernail as it is easy to adjust for different mods but once you turn it in or out to make connection, it stays in that position unless I am not fully understanding the issue.
I am a noob as well and I have found it easier to thread your coil, pull the tails up while screwing on the next section, then cut the wick tails just slightly above the tube, then stock the tails down onto the deck, prime the wicks/well, finish assembly, fill the tank and start at low voltage and begin vaping!! I was actually way over thinking the wick placement issue and found that once you stick the wicks down onto the deck and laying next to the stack....no issues!! I hope this helps but take a deep breath and relax....when it happens, it will be so worth it!!
I also read every damn post in the kayfun lite thread and it was very helpful as well but that's alot of reading!!
That's pretty much how I wick mine too. The 510 pin on the KFL is a little more picky. It's not adjustable & can loosen when you're tightening down the coil on the positive block inside the chamber.