I have the guide, jonnistix. I found that I was pretty much using these techniques already. It certainly is the best sounding snare drum I've ever owned. It's just that the strings I've found to this point have not been very stout for the guage needed to fit loosely through the frame holes. I'm going to go with Ploughman's tip and try the mini-blind cord. The snare's getting disassembled this weekend anyway for a good cleaning.
Thanks, everyone for a lot of good tips! I knew this forum would be a treasure trove of experience and advice. Great bunch of folks, here!
* Check out my kit in the Drum Image Gallery under 'Late 70's Slingerland - Originally chrome.'