[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

for my two pence worth, and coming from a guy that doesn't have a clear view to the SCP either...
I have read all this stuff for a couple of years now and it comes down really to -can you see the SCP or not?

In my case I can't because my house is in the way so really you have to do the combination approach.
Level your scope properly-using a builders level not the bubble level in the mount.
Align your scope as near to SCP as you think possible, whether using a compass, guestimation, or pickled hamsters. Just make sure you are right for your magnetic offset from the south (down here in Tas we are approx 12-15 degrees east of true, by various sources)-so this means point compass south with your telescope, then if you are on the Eastern part of Australia-tweak it a tiny tiny bit more eastwards.
So point south, then if you have a nice inclinometer or a smart phone (you can download freebie inclinometer apps) get your latitude right for your location.
When I set up my EQ 6 my latitude scale on the mount says about 46 and my inclinometer on the top of the telescope says 43'
It doesn't matter really because all this is doing is getting you invited to the star party. What you have to do next is drift align, because, if you are like me and can't see the SCP- then there is no other choice (for an EQ 6) especially if you want to take some natty photos!
Give it a few years and there will be a software patch like the CGEM all star polar align.
So in essence- point south, sort your latitude out and tweak the knobs.
One thing I would amplify as said before- don't overload the mount first
put some decent all weather grease between tripod and 'head', loosen the opposite screw before adjusting the wanted screw, and when you put the OTA on, balance well.
cheers
Graham