You don't have to apologize for asking questions, you've done research and took the initiative to learn and having some further questions is natural.
I'll try to add some tips with my limited know how.
1. Great you've got it, it's just a patient process you can do it.
- You can also watch videos of people dismantling their ps3's you're going to have to be good at that first before you flash. Find how people reapply thermal paste and purchase some if you don't have it already.
- When you attach the flasher, it sits best if you "snap it" like a lid from one side to the other. Find a good clamp to apply pressure. A nice adjustable ratcheting plastic clamp was a lifesaver for me. I put off my flashing just to find the perfect clamp and it's the best 7 bucks I spent. Check your hardware stores.
- Also use a hex editor like HxD to compare your dumps and see if they are identical it's another level of checking. Some people say before you upload the patched dump you should leave your ps3 on for 5-10 min then upload.
2. I personally turned my ps3 off each time, my understanding was that you should unplug it from the power and not press the power button (someone correct me if I'm wrong). People who mod often install inline switches so they don't have to plug and unplug each time. I also hit reset on my flasher before pressing the start button each time.
3. For 4.78 there are updated norinspector and Ps3DumpCheckers that work. Found an update for 4.80
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4. Earlier versions of Ps3DumpChecker gave me hash errors when I was trying to verify my dump. It's always good to be sure that the version you're using works with your OFW version. Also, while I'm not sure, it's possible that the patching the dump might also run into problems. I googled and found one instance of someone successfully using older tools on 4.80, but I don't know how many people here have done it yet.
5. Mainly people not having their e3 flasher sit properly, patching a bad dump and bricking their ps3. Also DO NOT turn off the power during ANY TIME the e3 flasher is working. People have bricked their ps3s. Make sure you don't short any contacts on the ps3 with metal, handle it with care. On the videos you will see people using cardboard at times and foam to either insulate or distribute pressure on the clamp.
6. Having a good connection with firm pressure, yes it should go smoothly. Just take your time don't rush, have a good area setup for yourself that you can work. I had my ps3 apart for a week while I found a clamp I was happy with.
Best of luck!