I can dismount and remount from the hoods, drops, or tops. It's good to be able to do all three because different terrain might dictate one over the other. I'm probably most comfortable with the hoods. I first learned from the drops (it lowers your body and seems easier just to slide onto the saddle). The tops are new to me this year and I've been doing it under the advice of my skills coach (who's also a mtn biker and rides the tops a lot).

Of course, I still have the frigging stutter-step no matter where I am!

You're welcome for the tips. BTW, one of the best ways I've learned technique is to watch elite racers (live or video). You'll learn new ways to approach elements (like stepping on the barrier instead of stepping over). If you have the opportunity to watch the elite men at your races, do it. Pick the parts of the course that were most challenging for you and see what they do.