Yeah Jay, the problem is the temptations there, bang it up to level 6 and go for it as its easier and faster, though the proper route is to build it up level by level.

Another one that gets me is UV mapping, the fundermentals are really needed there as well as a lot of time to get it right, yep theres software that can map for you, or do pelting or even not bother with UV's at all but you still need to know what the things doing behind the scenes to get the best of it.