Hi Adam,
to IIS.
Sage advise has been forwarded on to you here. I won't add anything to the scope thing as there is plenty for you to digest and it will only make for noise.
What I will add is to suggest you will gain a lot if you are able to get along to either a formal or informal club or astro gathering. You will be able to share in the collective wisdom of such a group, pick up practical tips as sometimes it is best if someone shows you how to do something rather than try to wrestle it out yourself (collimating your scope can be such an exercise where being shown makes the learning curve a lot smoother).
There is a BIG astro meet happening at the end of July that goes on into the start of August, the Queensland Astrofest. It attracts astro nutters from all over the country. The info that you will pick up there will serve you a lifetime. Below is a link to the Astrofest thread here in IIS's Star Parties Forum:
Queensland Astrofest thread link
I'll be heading up for the second weekend,
Will be my 3rd Astrofest
Alex.