welcome
be aware that around a certain time the image section of auctiva is down alot.
try custumizing your templates, and using tables, i don't know mutch about html as well, but with auctiva results turn out beautifull.
don't forget to use the sellers details profile, start building up profiles for everything, exactly as you said with catogorizing, making profiles etc. in the long run this will save alot off your time.
welcome aboard m8