Default Image Path - new question

Issue Summary

Hi, I have seen several issues on this topic but none seem to give me an answer.
Newbie forum etiquette question: Should I crerate a new issue with my query or add a replay to someone else's issue raising my variation issue there? I decided to post a new question here.

Also, I chose the project info categories of: version '4.6.x-1.x-dev' and component 'code' because I couldn't otherwise add the issue but I really don't know waht I should have entered. The file I downloaded today was imagefield-6.x-3.0.

Issue: http://drupal.org/node/366138 resolved what seems the same issue with: ...Changed the import path to: sites/default/files/images/temp/

Likewise, issue: http://drupal.org/node/289352 resolved the same issue with: ...the problem was the wrong path. The correct path is admin/settings/image/image_import

Neither of these worked for me. My images site configuration screen gives a hint in the image path field with 'Subdirectory in the directory files where pictures will be stored. Do not include trailing slash'
I also have a rather messy directory structure, with acquia/Drupal. I have a path of:
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Sites\acquia-drupal-site\acquia-drupal\sites\default\files\images\temp
I have tried the first path for each of my Sites and sites directories but in each case the errors returned were:

* The directory does not exist.
* The settings have not been saved because of the errors.

The admin/settings /... path in the second other issue, above, does not seem to relate to any drupal path that I can see on my PC.

I have seen further suggestions using code, but as a newbie I have no clue where the files are that these other suggested config changes should be included in. Can anyone suggest a resolution that will work for me?
Also, unless I am being excessively dim, what would be the best way of raising a constructive criticism for drupal people perhaps to add a little more guidance on the site config page?

Many thanks.