just starting, really. Found this(A7) and got interested then re-got into blender. Started playing with it awhile ago but I couldn't get used to the interface. But either their interface is a lot better or I've gotten smarter. Still have a lot to learn, but my project I expect to take me several months if not longer so I'm pacing myself and trying to learn as I go.

oh yeah, to answer your first question, yeah that was my main problem those links are dead.