Good stuff SA_Dave
The original design was a hybrid client, and simple/expert mode was very much part of this. We wanted new or less advanced users to simply be able to type something into a box and transparently it would search a number of p2p networks. At the same time managing all those connections could suck bandwith if not properly configured so we planned to include all manner of tweaks in expert mode, if so desired.
Even if we go for our own network I still have no desire to alienate either advanced, or less advanced users. For those that want the simplicity of simply typing terms into a box without having to worry about any/everything else, that will be possible. For those who want to tweak to their hearts content, that will be provided for.