I'm mainly a systems guy, I'll trade discretionary (m15 +, S/R, buy dips, sell rallies, nothing special), but only for entertainment really. Generally I go through:
First principles -> Hypothesis -> Back testing -> Forward testing -> Live
I have wondered about posting some thoughts on mechanical trading, but I fear that there is little interest when I'm not willing to divulge decent edges.
I would suggest sticking to the higher time frames, not because they're more profitable, but that it's more profitable for the effort required. You seem to be approaching it from the direction of successful traders so can't knock it really.
Lastly, think about things, don't blindly accept opinion, many people will pass their opinions off as facts, it never hurts to double check.