I have to agree about the steep learning curve, but thinking, talking, and experimenting with hammock setups has so much more excitement for me than tent/tarp/bivy discussions.

I have had a lot of success with hanging all of my relevant gear on tiny s-biners on a ridgeline. Extra clothes in a small mesh in case I need the extra layer in the night, emergency pouch, stuff like that. If the ridgeline is taught enough, and you expect to be staying a few nights, this cleans up my clutter, and keeps everything in arm's reach.