Welcome sturg, glad you found us. Disassembly will get easier with time and practice, no worries there.
I don't agree that these guns are finicky on ammo. They have preferences and but once broken in should shoot everything. They do like full power loads as opposed to girly man powder puff stuff especially during break in.
The grip extension is personal choice. In my mind I don't see the point in taking a small gun and making it bigger, I'd rather buy a bigger gun but again whatever works for you is the ideal answer.
I'd shoot it also before the sticky tape, you might get along fine, that which sticks can become unstuck. Many use a piece of inner tube, I did that for awhile until I stippled my grip to reduce the aggressiveness a bit. I like it much better than the innertube or rubber grip sleeve.
Hope she runs good for you and you come back with a happy no issues report.
In Memory of Paul "Dietrich" Stines.
Dad: Say something nice to your cousin Shirley
Dietrich: For a fat girl you sure don't sweat much.
Cue sound of Head slap.
RIP Muggsy & TMan
"If you are a warrior legally authorized to carry a weapon and you step outside without that weapon, then you become a sheep, pretending that JOCKO will not come today."