Actually it is more due to me being awfully lazy. I tend to keep stuff quite disorganized, haha. So yeah, all that clutter and those directories could probably have been much easier to navigate if it weren't for me being a lazy bum. :p And haha, I just try random stuff. Whatever I feel suits the stock, really. And the rule of the thirds was something I learned a little late. But I try to apply it to maximum works of mine. I actually do believe it works really well a lot of times.
As for bokeh, you can find TONS of them on Deviantart. You don't really need to make them yourself since there are a lot of people who've already gone through the trouble of doing so. ;] I just downloaded them from Deviantart and other sites. Google 'bokeh packs'. ;]
Correct text-spacing can work wonders. :] Learned that from Abnegation. As for color adjustments, you'll need to take a look at some psds to notice how massive of a change they can bring about. I'll probably link you some stuff later. For now though, you may take a look at the resources and tutorials thread I sticked. There's an example on color adjustments in there. Also yeah, gradient maps are useful. :3
And naah, you'll probably be able to do it just fine. All I do is random stuff. Anybody can do that, haha. And I know you understand all the basics. Someone who understands them will probably have much less problems, tbqh. ;]