fixed.

quite a few false starts on how to use/set up Easy Screencast Recorder,

In a long history of bad naming decisions, calling this one "Easy" was probably my biggest mistake.  The codec configuration pain really makes it confusing.  A better name would be "Confusing Codecs Screencast Recorder" (CCSR).  I must admit they confuse the hell out of me...

Does ESR have a way to specify/configure additional codecs? i.e the CamStudio lossless one.

Well that's the one thing that ESR *is* good at, letting you choose and configure whatever codec you want to us.

Also, tangential, but setting up the micro-donations thing...PayPal always takes a cut? Even if bypassing them and using the Debit/Credit option instead?

In this world, everyone takes their cut if you pay by credit card..  PayPal isn't so bad though, they don't take that much.. To avoid paypal/middlemen you can always send cash (or cookies) in an envelope to the address listed on the contact page, or bitcoin.  The only problem with bitcoin is that I've never figured out how to cash out, so any bitcoin donations will probably just stay in a virtual wallet forever..