I would only modify one your post in one way:

    < As an aside, a close second to the first point is to log everything.
    > As an aside, a close second to the first point is to LOG EVERYTHING.

As a minor addition, after you have engaged in the "GO DO THEM" and the "LOG EVERYTHING" part for a while, you'll notice when you reach a plateau. This is the time when asking for help/interneting/optimizing is helpful. Usually I'm not eating enough, your mistakes may vary.

One more tip: most of the big guys at the gym are friendly. If one of them asks to work in, let him, and ask him to watch your form during your sets.