Welcome, DanHome! (kinda like down home, huh?)
Another Texan, yes!!
You know that Anime Network is based in Houston, right?
I, too, started out as a lurker and I turned out ok. <everyone else, be quiet!> My hubby has been scratching his head at my hobby for quite a few years also, but he takes it in stride as long as I try to do all my other chores.
As for those 'rating guides', I know Hentai explained about the "nose-bleeding" - but, (and I don't know if you've noticed) every single show has the same guide. It's something they have on their list to fix, but it hasn't been accomplished yet. So, you really can't go by it.
Feel free to browse around all the forums and jump into any convos that interest you. And ask MORE questions. I'm sure someone will answer you, but, of course, only the moderators answers matter.
If you'd like to make a sig, or have those icons under your avatar, go here:
www.theanimenetwork.com/component/option...show/func,myprofile/
Please come back and post often!