I did start with a mini account, and I still use it to this day. In case i'm more sure of certain signals or indicators I just use bigger lots, up to 5lots is all about i'm willing to risk.

My biggest problem is consistency, sticking to one particular trading strategy. (I find that the more research I do, the greater number of indicators somehow wind up on my metatrader screen, and all in all most just end up making things complicated) and lastly, money managment!! Cutting losses and letting your profits ride has been a tough lesson to learn.

I'm learning the metatrader code actually fromt he lessons from Codersguru, I think it's a very effective tool, no one can sit on a screen 24/6 and capture all the market movements. Half of the time the market is moving sideways so the potential is great, however there is no smoking gun. No EA is perfect, the markets are not perfect.

anyways i've ranted for a while, I hope at least a bit of it was helpful.