David, you are correct that the topo maps aren't what you'd expect if know what a topo should look like. Unless the gps had a color screen it would be pretty difficult and would clutter the screen. I't seems you've found some good uses(finding your driveway, the bridge, and the pooh you left in the woods).
If you ever get bored and have nothing to do check out http://www.geocaching.com/
I find it a good excuse to get out and play with my gadget. If you don't know about geocaching basically people place cache in the woods and post the coordernates on the above listed site and you can go find them. They usually consist of a log, possiably a finders fee $, key chains, sun glasses or a number of random thing that people have left. It's a good way to become proficent with your gps..