Ok I finally got 'not-brain-dead' enough to realize that I could resize my bump map images to a smaller size to fit this free tool's parameters and I gave normal maps a try last night.

So far it's hard to see much difference, but a key question would be what do I set the bias to when creating the tool?  It defaults at 1, and it seems to get way bumpier if I move it up from there.  Also what should I be setting the bump levels at in the shader when using the normal map?  I'm trying to do skin at the moment, to get an idea, and Tugpsx, if you're still out there, I know you know a lot about skin (I've seen your work and it's impressive).  Any tips from anyone?  I'm sort of stabbing in the dark right now.