I think for a newbie all the comments here are fairly negative which is a shame. I wanted to try and make some of the higher branches stat growing outwards, but it's fine. I will learn and do this myself because that's the best way. Plus, I'm never going to get through advice anyway.
I think you are taking a very negative stance here.
All the advice given is correct, to the point and based on your questions.
FIRST learn how to keep the plant alive. That is NOT an easy thing to do, especially with this species. Only after that, start messing with the plant. Otherwise you will never be able to conclude what cause the demise of a plant.
As for not getting true advice here.. That is just insulting the people that offer their help.