If you are registered, you get access to the members only section, can participate in the buy & sell second hand forum and last but not least you can reserve your preferred username before someone else takes it.
Less pressure is always good. Sticking to your stone is good as well. Means you're getting there. When you get to that point, check the water. When you push your blade across the stone, and the water starts reaching the back of your blade, you're there. (or so it is with synths, small caveat)