Just to add a little to the very full replies you've already had - specifically about the guide issue. I am in the UK and, like you, don't mind paying a really quite small amount for good guide data. I use Schedules Direct with MC2XML as the download tool (there are others). This gives me full program data for 2 weeks ahead. You also need to look at a plugin called TVWishlist for much improved recording/scheduling capabilities (this is also referred to in the thread that Cybersimian referenced above). If you do go down this route you need to be aware there there is a small issue with the way that Series/Episode numbers are presented by Schedules Direct - this was covered some time ago in this thread.
I also use MP1 and have done for many years. I did look briefly at MP2 with the WMC-like skin and decided that MP1 with the standard Default WIde skin is more than adequate. I was a WMC user many years ago before I found MP1 (at that time MP2 did not exist) and rapidly decided that I preferred MP1 (and my wife actually agreed with me - and she doesn't like change!).
I also use MP1 and have done for many years. I did look briefly at MP2 with the WMC-like skin and decided that MP1 with the standard Default WIde skin is more than adequate. I was a WMC user many years ago before I found MP1 (at that time MP2 did not exist) and rapidly decided that I preferred MP1 (and my wife actually agreed with me - and she doesn't like change!).