I think for me I just want to give it a go with this upcoming Project first, not out of a sense of duty, but out of a desire to make sure I'm not NOT using effects for the wrong reasons (i.e. inferiority complex) rather than the right ones (personal choice). I think it's completely legitimate to opt out of effects--and I too think I could make a lot of vids without them. I guess I just want to find out if playing with them will add anything to my vidding. If I find all it adds is frustration, then I'll go back to my usual ways. :D

And I second this: using the effects that are already in the source as its given to me.
I do that SO MUCH. I love doing it, I don't ever want to give it up. And that's a big tip I'd give to newer vidders--see what's already in the source that you can use!