I'm sorry. It's just that you really remind me of someone else, but I just can't put my finger on who. Maybe it's because you are as you say, totally new to this forum.
Don't leave because of a few questions. That's just people trying to get to know you.
I thought it seemed that plenty of people welcomed you in your intro thread. We've had the discussion about avatars around here lots of times before and it's always ended up not going ahead because it just would seem out of place or something like that here. Do a search on the avatar word and you'll find them. Most people just don't agree that they're necessary that's all. It's the same deal with the signatures. most people just keep them small.
At the cellar, we care what's on the inside of your post, not all the pretty frills on the outside.