sounds like you're doing real well =) I would maybe just take it a little slower on the nose in, try side in first and just keep doing side in and just bring it a little further and a little further as you get comfortable with it until you can bring it nose in =)

About the blalancing, PM me with your e-mail and I can send you a balancing guide, or you can ask the guys at the field too.

About the blade covering, if there is no crack you can tape it or super glue it back down as long as there isn't a crack in the wood. You can also take it off, just be careful that you don't get splinters or peices of blade shot at you because they will come off at the worst moment possible =)

Plasti-blades might also be something to look into as long as you are past the boom strike stage. They are alot more durable and will hold up after several crashes, but if you get a boom strike with them it's a real pain. Also make sure to do the paperclip mod if you get plastiblades, it might actually help with the blades you have as well. You might also try the fuse mod.

http://www.heli-max.net/mediawiki/in..._Wiki_Fuse_Mod
http://www.heli-max.net/mediawiki/in..._Sheer_Pin_Mod
http://www.heli-max.net/mediawiki/in..._Plasti-Blades