Kevin, welcome to archery as it was meant to be. I too started getting jaded with the "stuff and gadgets" and a good friend handed me a longbow. It's a real journey, and it can be frustrating at first, but stick with it. As for your questions, you've gotten some real good info so far. Remember when you started shooting a compound, how much it helped to have someone experienced help ya? Same thing here. Go to a shop that has AND understands traditional archery, or even better, find a trad buddy to shoot with. There's less stuff to mess with, but your equipment needs to be matched.
Welcome to the world of the stick and string,
Kevin