Hey there plantluvver... there are a couple of us TE'ers in the Portland area (I just moved here 2 months ago) if you need some one-on-one help with your bikes. Some of us are more mechanically inclined than others but the bottom line is we are here for each other on this forum. I work weekends mostly at OHSU so I would have weekdays to meet you somewhere and spend time with you and your bike to swap a few things over, fit it to you better and take her for a spin on one of the trails around here. Feel free to PM me and we'll work something out.
As for the bike you just acquired, it sounds like it's been messed with pretty well over the years, swapping of parts and such. But, I'm the type that believes the bike is worth only as much as you ride it. To me, having a $3000 bike that never gets ridden is a waste. Whereas, a Wal Mart bike that is used to commute everyday is worth every penny.

Good luck and I hope to hear from you soon.

~X.