One more question, how important do you think it is to learn "proper" right-hand technique?
it's most important to make sure you're not hurting yourself. if something hurts, stop and relax and try to make sure you are doing everything at the most natural angles. try not to have your wrist bent too much. this especially goes for your left hand. this ultimately means you will have to set your strap really high. but i think if you are serious about the instrument you will put it high. this unfortunately could mean trouble with the fashion police if you happen to be living in the year 2000. but otherwise it should be fine