Hey there, Southside!

To answer your second question first ;-) -- the best place to get it answered would be at the Message Board on the Mandolin Cafe.

Now, to answer your first question -- sure, it is all about the 'feel'. I find it interesting that since I've been playing the mandolin, I've become a much better guitar player. My left hand is much more confident and seems to move more quickly between chords. Go figure. And even though I don't use a plectrum when I play the guitar, I feel like my fingerpicking is much more confident, too.

I agree that the mando 'opens up' your ears -- I've been able to figure out turn arounds on the guitar that I didn't 'hear' before I picked up the mando.

All the best, Áine