I think if you work through the exercises on sewing a scant quarter inch seam, you will be able to sew one accurately regardless of your foot. The more you practice, the less you will find that you need pins. I'm working through the series as well and now I pin only when I'm having a problem matching points and when I'm applying borders.
As to the fabric moving, I learned that once I trained myself to concentrate on a spot in front of the needle, not the actual needle I was better able to sew a straight seam. It also helps to center my body on the needle, not the middle of the machine.
For lighting, I've added several Ott lights that I can bend to better direct the light.
Cheers, K