Jen, polar allignment is easy and a lot less physical then what you have been doing
. Just set the alt (tilt of your scope) to somewhere between 30 and 35 degrees, make sure your scope is on top and the weights are on the bottom (straight up an down) and point the front of the scope roughly south. Thats it. You will only need to turn you slow motion controls to stay roughly on track. Once you have done this a few times you get the hang of it and can start setting up more accurately. That way you will be able to drink more UDL's coz you won't have to waltz your scope around the back yard. I agree with Eric, you will need a drive on your RA to track properly.
Mark