A level is for level" is so true. I keep a cheap aluminum angle from the hardware store just for checking straight lines, it's way lighter than a level.

Read about that trick in an old forum thread... it really does help with cable friction.

Totally get the frustration. Used to defend those cheap scopes as a way to get started, but my nephew's birthday gift changed my mind. Watched him try to see the moon for twenty minutes before the whole thing just fell over. That fifty bucks really is a trap, it just makes people think astronomy is harder than it is. A used tabletop dob is a way better first step.