Hello Big Bad
IŽm reasonably new to Lightwave too, and tinkering on and off with 3D for about one year.
As per your spline modelling tutorials request IŽll have that one in mind next time I go in search of tutorials, however when you asked about edge loops it rang a bell, I suggest you check out the following link:
http://cube.phlatt.net/home/spiraloi.../modeling.html
Hope it helps,