On the 6/8 time bit, it amazes me how many guitar players I know who simply can not do it. At a rough guess in the folk clubs round here, I would say that those that can't out number those that can't out number those that can by about 3:1. The situation gets worse if you try to include those who play rock rather than folk.

I must admit that I dont count 123 456 but use 123 123 (Sligthly more emphasis on the first 1). It seems to work for me.

Jon