calibrate with 90gsm paper - business card is way too thick. And the paper should slide with minor resistance.

The new profile system in s3d is a bit weird. So you might have to modify the startup gcode yourself.

I've created my own profiles for both of my printers - the s3d stock ones just don't work properly.

If you've got s3d stick with it and learn how to use it. It's massively better than makerware. Makerware is simpler.

As for the nozzle thing - just pull the oozing filament off before printing starts.
The new s3d will do a nozzle wipe on the fron tof the platform that usually clears any crap but I tend to keep an eye on the nozzle temp and just before it hits start temp I'll remove any dangling bits of filament.

I just use my fingers but lesser mortals might need to use tweezers or pliers. Apparently 210c isn't hot enough to burn me :-)
You might have less heat resistant skin ;-)