What I was referring to when I mentioned removing the cap is that you set the distributor/CPS to 0? using the marks on the shaft that goes in the head. THEN you use the rotor as a visual indicator to be sure it doesn't slip when you insert the dizzy/CPS. That's all.
You're freaking/stressing and as such making things a bit more complicated than they need to be... it's okay, we've all been there, but if you aren't 100% sure on something, then just ask, it's part of the reason some of us are here. For a COMPLETE novice, you're doing GREAT!
(You do need to kick that DSM or whatever guy in the balls for me though.)