I haven't read everything on this thread but here is a tutorial I posted not long ago. Hope it helps. I am self taught paper piecer and I love it. A Mariner's Compass is quite a challenge but you will be pleased with the results as long as you take it slowly. :-D
http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com...ing-block.html
If you do a "search" from the blue sections listed at the top of this page for paper piecing, you will find all of the discussions that have been previously brought up. Lots of info available!