PK - I've found that using a tripod (even just a little desktop job) is really important when shooting macro stuff. The depth of field is really narrow with macro shots, so any movement of the camera can really shift the out of focus areas to places you hadn't intended.
I've got two or three tripods lying around, but that gorilla one looks sweet.
I did notice how much a little bit of movement messed with the focus, but was too lazy to brave the cold to get out to the garage to retrieve a t-pod.