This is not prompted by what it might seem like but I suppose it applies. And I'm not learning it but so much being reminded of it again:

People seem to think I am a pretty bright fellow capable of reaching reasonable conclusions. Until they disagree with me, then I must be dense. Until they agree with me again, at which point I return to brilliance.

It must cause me brain damage to whip so quickly from stupid to smart.

There are no measure marks on the press, I have no idea how to figure the water to coffee ratio.

If I dump cold water on top of instant, I get lumps. Which are gross when you accidentally drink them.

The water to coffee ratio should be on the bag of coffee. If you have whole beans, you want to get it ground for the press. Then use a measuring cup to figure out the water that goes in. It can take a little trial and error. It's also best to warm the press with some hot water first.

I personally would go without coffee before I drank instant.

I personally would go without oxygen before I drank coffee.