Ian im not a Moderator but had a tough time with wp.
But here are a few suggestions.
1. Switch to a linux server (solves a lot a problems for wp)
2. Start from scratch (i saved my old website on my desktop and started over)
3. Get to know your helpdesk team from your host server because you will be spending a lot of time with them and most of the problems normaly are on the host side settings.
Key words for this forum that you will have problems with after its up.
“permalinks” (if you are on a windows server its complex, linux its easy)
“Akismet” (plugin to protect from span) you need to login to this site to find the key. If you search
Other then that have fun finding a template that matches what you are trying to do. WP 2.7 is still a little new but most of the bugs have been worked out but the plugins templates need time to catch up.
Sorry this is not a direct answer but i think you are as lost as I was 2 months ago. https://www.donaldjenkins.com ?? still building but beat all the tough parts.
dj