I did try the "use it for everything" approach but it didn't really work for me - the mouse just seemed better for some things. In the end I settled for mouse in left hand and pen in right.
Yeah, the using it for everything is strictly to get used to it. After that, like you, I have a mouse on the left hand - and using the scroll wheel for brush size, and the Intuos's touch-ring for flow/feather. Then also have a [Microsoft] 'Natural' mouse on the right. Both mice are wireless laser, since cords always have too much 'pull' with them, for my tastes. Although, unfortunately for me, a trackball mouse would kill my fingers with a quickness (it's why I can't really use a smartphone or tablet). However, I notice that after a period of not using the tablet, it's a bit of a learning curve again - albeit not nearly as bad as the first time around.
I now like Gnits's idea adding the Corsair gaming keyboard and mouse to the mix, for when I'm able to purchase my new supercomputer soon. I'd then skip the 'cheapie' wireless combo from eCollegePC. I presume/hope it's a wireless keyboard-mouse combo with one dongle (and not Bluetooth)? What is the exact model (or models, if separate) you have there, Gnits?