Yeah, that's what I've come to gather. And that's exactly the advice I was looking for, thanks.
I'm feeling a little guilty about not doing the whole front end: there are some Imperialists pushing me in that direction. But while I don't doubt it would be beneficial, it's just not in the time/money budget right now.
Incremental improvements. Make it better, don't take it off the road for too long at any one time.