Welcome Pushin50! For me 50 just pushed back this last fall, and my body and lungs feel like I'm in my 30s again. I also use the 510, but quickly got into DIY, since I am sensitive to PG, and...well...I like to cook! And being a chemist, mixing up VG juices is just plain fun, and I can
vape exactly what I want and fine tune it easily.
As for learning curves, I don't think the learning curve for PVs ever ends. Especially with the 510, which is very modable, there is always something to try to make it even better...and it is really great right out of the box!
And if your biggest mistake was to initially pay $30 too much for shipping, you are doing great for a new vaper. Many here get roped into an expensive ripoff brand at the mall, only to trash it and
buy a good PV, wasting often 100s of dollars. I was in that camp, so I think you are doing fine...but I agree with the others, lots of great US suppliers that have fast and cheaper shipping, and low prices. A little digging here will uncover vendors with a bewildering variety of juices and hardware. Look at the list of vendors when you scroll down on the ECF home page. Each have their own forum and links to their sites. But perhaps you have discovered this already.
vape on! Enjoy your 510!