Sir, your thread is right on point. I'm new to the forum but also very new to MD'ing. I started yesterday with a gift from my wife given to me about 5 years ago. While I may be a newbie, my age has graced me with enough wisdom and common sense to mirror your tips without a single bit of pre advice. I'm not bragging other than being glad I was born before common sense was made a swear word.
I especially like your tip on digging up anything & not just for coins. Reading some tips of 'how to use' it in other sites, people were promoting(and bragging) on how to AVOID digging up 'trash'. That trash just may be a treasure I can use in my American Revolution re-enactments. In fact, getting my feet wet in my own back yard netted me some oddball hardware of no value but also a 7" pure copper funnel in great condition.
You young newbies out there, re read this post often and don't forget it.