Don't take it personal Goodidea, you've got to have some thick skin to get around with this crowd!
We're just all a little stir crazy from waiting for our favorite playground to open for the season!
In regards to your last question, I think anything in chartruese/yellow and black/purple are the "old reliables".
In the picture above it would be the "048" and "102". Doesn't matter which brand you get. Zukers, Tuna Clones, Tuna Toasts, whatever.
If a fella wants to get a good start on a supply of gear without buying every gadget under the sun I'd get 5 of each of those and 5 each of a purple "cedar plug".
That will be enough to get you fishing! I've purchased a bunch of different stuff over the last few years and honestly I think I'm going back to the basics this summer.
Keep the questions coming. They are always welcome.