Wow, this was quite a read....
OK, I'm finishing up my first 500 build. I have the Pheonix ICE 100.
I've got two strikes against me.. 1. I'm a total noob... I've only programmed a very simple Turnigy ESC...
2. I'm old.
Is there a step by step tutorial anywhere? Say for a beginner? Or old man?

Right now, on my 400's, I fly in normal mode, with pitch settings of -5°, +5°, +10° with throttle curve thats about 70% throttle @ 50%stick, and linear after that to 95% @ 100% stick.
My Tx, ( Walkera 2801Pro ) has 3 flight modes...so I'm assuming I'd need to set normal as a safe mode, stunt1 as my " normal" flight mode ( say 80% throttle? With my usual pitch curve of -5. +5. +10? ) and set stunt2 for something more agressive? Like 95% thottle with a curve of -10~ +10? I havent set up throttle hold yet.. thats a whole other thing for me yet. As you can tell, I'm kinda lost. Especially when it comes to governor mode.

My set up...
Turnigy Typhoon 500H motor ( 1800kv)
5S 3000mAh 30C Batts
12T pinion ( shooting for around 2400-2600 RPMs )
Thanks for bearing with me....
Mike