Hey Stuart. There's a very much more simpler solution to your problems.
http://www.swishzone.com. Swish 2 would be your tool, or even SwishMax. This is the stupid flash alternative. It's all good though. Flash can take years to master.
http://www.webagent007.com. yeah, you ain't gonna learn that in a month. but Swish you can. it's comparable too.