FG-These are some of the same questions I've been thinking myself.
I would also like to try a beginners swap. I would even consider hosting it, except for the previous advice on not doing that until you participate once or twice first. Maybe we can set up a small newbee swap just to get some practice. I have a trip to Colorado to take care of first and can't commit to tying anything beyond what I need for the trip, but when I get back in mid-July, maybe we can get something started up then.