Very interesting thread and it seems you have acknowledged your weaknesses and are fixing them. I am of the opinion that the level of complexity and risk increase as time frame goes down. Making split second decisions with high leverage is a tall order for any trader.
My suggestion is to...
I'm not sure why the preference for futures vs. options. I feel far more comfortable with trading verticals, iron condors, calendars, etc... Futures is more difficult for me and my account is evidence of this :)