1) pop-up tutorials/instructions that people can close out if they don't want to bother reading it

I've thought of implementing something like this, and while I'd love to say it's a quick fix to implement, it would take some doing. For the time being, I was toying with the idea of just having a dedicated section in the forum where I could add notes as I change/update things on the site. A more centralized location for people to read about them as opposed to having to hunt through a long thread. It wouldn't be a long term solution, but a quick to implement solution for the short term.

2) reasons why you're doing something wrong.

I'll admit, there are a few areas where the site doesn't immediately offer the reasons as to why there's been a mis-step. I've been tracking them down as people bring them up to me so that they can be corrected. I'll look into a brief guide as to how to setup a blog quickly for people if they're interested in a quick and easy how to on the subject.

When we hit enter it automatically inserts a paragraph break - not just a line break.

I'll take a look at an easy way to implement what you're asking of, it's mostly just a geeky tendency of mine as I hit enter twice when I want a new paragraph. I will have to have a look see for you.