Howdee, and Welcome.
MES are notorious for having miscalibrated thermometers. Please if you did not during your test flight, smoke in, check your temperatures with a good thermometer. When I did mine, it was only 5 to 10 degrees off, I have heard some whose temps are 30 to 50 degrees off, (I also learned my home oven was 10 degrees off LOL).
So to save frustration and a good piece of meat make sure and check it.
Temperature, Hot and fast (which usually means 250 to 275 to a MES owner), or low and slow about 220? The difference obviously is time on station.
The Texas Crutch this a method of approximating the stall temperature (All meat temps will be IT's), its a way to force it thru the stall faster. It does work, with some slight degradation to the bark due to the steaming of the meat.
The sweet spot for smoke is 100 to 140 IT, everything before and after still adds flavor although at a diminished capacity. Its you first smoke, I highly recommend you use half the smoke you intend to use. You will never hear someone say "The meat sux's, I can't eat it, it has too little smoke". You can and will heard the opposite.
The type of wood plays a huge part in the amount you can use. Butts/picnics and briskets can handle all woods but the hard smokes like hickory, mesquite, possibly pecan or oak should not be applied with a heavy hand.
I am sure others will show and give you some of their ideas also see there isn't any single one perfect way to do it. There is the new ways, the old ways, my ways, your ways and they are all right if they work for us. Its all about you learning your smoker and bending it to your will. Making it do it right your way. Everyone here will differ but everyone here will respect others views.
A very smart man told me that its all about patience. He was so right, I'll add its about a stress free, kicked back, enjoyment of sitting and enjoying the day, the night, the moment, the beer, the company, the peace and quiet. Nothing happens fast in smoking, just think logically.
Oh to prevent chastation, to be chastised, (LOL.. spellcheck says that word should be castration, I guess that would work too), take pictures. We call it Q-View. Everyone enjoys sharing in your achievements.
When ya get a chance in forums drop by the "Roll Call" section and introduce yourself, so you can get the secret password and handshake.
Is that a mouthful or what?
Just remember to relax and enjoy the smoke. Good luck on your maiden voyage.