I use patching to put edits on the track I want. Sure, I can drag an drop the clips into the appropriate track, but to use all keyboard shortcuts (i.e. F10 for Overwrite) is a stunningly faster way to edit. Most self taught guys are drag and droppers and get the job done just fine. It's just while they are still working, I'd already be home working on my first Sierra Nevada (given the same amount of edits to do). Once you see how much faster you can go, you'll never drag and drop again. Note: It's a HARD habit to break.
Not sure what you mean by trying to edit with CMD + E. I think what you are talking about is extend edit, which is just "E". Select the edit, move the playhead to where you want to extend to. Then, press "E". You do have to have enough handles however.
If you are self trained, it would be worth your while to take one "official" Apple Pro Training course to see how you are supposed to wrangle the software. Another option would be to contact an Apple Certified instructor and see if you can get a 4 hour block of one on one lessons. You can read these forums forever, but only an experienced FCP instructor, or a very experienced FCP user can show you how to connect the dots.
I like Premiere Sync Lock. Very cool. You can ripple multiple tracks in FCP, you just have to select all the edits on the cut line-then drag, or use the bracket keys to dial in your trim. You can also do this in the Trim Edit Window.
Kevin Monahan
http://www.fcpworld.com
Author - Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Pro
