Glad you are enjoying the copper! I have enjoyed the heck out of mine, it's kind of refreshing to purchase a product these days that is everything it's supposed to be. Here are my advice or thoughts on your questions and dilemmas. 1st of all, keep the gasser. The 2 coppers look awesome together, what a pair! You will eventually use it, like someone else said they work great for warming food and I use mine when I'm tired and want a quick cook. Also great for grilling those veggies and many other uses. 2nd, get a good pair of leather grilling or welding gloves for shuffling those accessories. 3rd, the cowboy lump you purchased may have had some mesquite wood in it, that may account for the strange smoke taste you experienced. 4th, have you tried any indirect cooks yet? They can be wonderful. 5th, you've started a great post, keep up the good work! PS I like your taste in beer.