Who talks $^%#@ about merc? I love the older 2 stroke motors. I got my hands on an optimax this past weekend and they seem pretty straight forward too. I still think those verado's are just WAY too big and heavy for outboards.
the best links I know of for mercs are:
www.biggerhammer.net/mercury/
www.screamandfly.com
www.byuboyz.com