Drupal - modules, blocks, configurations, oh my!

So, we're underway with our single Drupal installation in the Mosso Cloud Sites platform. We will eventually have 70-80 websites running on a single install of Drupal there. Right now, we have to actually learn how to use Drupal! Thankfully, there seems to be no shortage of resources. Just a few:

• http://drupal.org/getting-started/before/overview (a must-read)
• http://gotdrupal.com/ (a great site with Drupal how-to videos)
• http://mydrupal.com/drupal-beginner-videos-basics (20 Drupal videos for beginners)
• http://drupal.org/handbook/customization/tutorials (Drupal tutorials)
• http://groups.drupal.org/drupal-dojo (Drupal Dojo)
• http://drupal.org/planet (Planet Drupal)
• http://learnbythedrop.com/ (A place to learn Drupal)
• etc. etc.

But, it is somewhat of a learning curve we're climbing. I was prepared for this, but it still doesn't make it any less of a challenge. I've read for months now things to the effect of: "Drupal's got a steep learning curve but once you learn it, you'll love it!" or similar. I'll admit, I already love some aspects of it: content creation, taxonomy module, simplicity of user mgmt. (except permissions - too many checkboxes!) and other aspects. But, I found having to do backflips to create a stable homepage a bit weird. But, we're working through it...