Hey Woodnack, good to see another BHP user out there...despite having to wait out the winter. Living in Wisconsin myself, I feel your pain. I've been posting here for nearly a year now, and my profile page has a gallery if you're interested in seeing some of the things I've unearthed.
Specifically, about ground balancing, there's a reason why the instruction book explains the GB technique the way it does -- it's how the unit was built.

Read it -- plan and simple. However, on more than one occasion, I have had trouble with the unit locking into a number, even though I know there isn't any metal in the ground from previously scanning the ground in the all metal mode to make sure it was clear. I suspect it has something to do with the amount of water content in the ground; GB seems more temperamental with high moisture content. Not always, just sometimes. Ah well.
Overall, I'm pleased with this unit, as it definitely is an upgrade from my Pioneer 202. I run an 11" coil with my platinum which, like you said, covers more ground. I really appreciate the pin pointing aspect when I need to zero in on the object. Battery life is really nice; just one 9V (footnote: re-chargeable battery's don't last as long). It's a great coin finder, but like you suspected expect to dig a lot of flip tabs. At times I'll completely discriminate that range out of the unit and shoot for only copper and higher. It makes for a nicer dig knowing every object will have some value to it. When I'm in areas of lesser debris, I'll run nearly the full range of detection.
So, anyways, hope to hear from you soon. I'm counting the days with you when we see that first patch of thawed ground. I'm already getting anxious for spring!