Yep. Shoot like buggery sounds just fine!
Before playing a new game, these are the only things I attempt to learn:
- What is the quickest and simplest way to get multi ball.
- Where it the extra ball insert/target. (I have had heaps of plays where the DMD says to shoot for the extra ball, yet I can't find the target to hit)
Beyond that, 'shoot the flashing lights' and most immportantly 'shoot the shots that feel good'! 
Unless you have the machine at home, any more than that takes the fun out of it. 
thanks for the tip, extra ball is disabled in the comps so that's one thing less to worry about.
