Learning RF4: one small step, more questions!

I've been learning MAYA dynamic for a while and so far I've found it although powerful and handy, having a lot issues when it comes to simulating/manipulating fluid and particle events (i.e...collision detection). So learning RealFlow4 is my new thing in order to make my already falling behind thesis happen. It's great to find out that RF4 can generate splash when objects colliding with the RealWave surface, unlike Maya soft body has really limited practices. However, the performance of doing it is really not rendering friendly. Besides, I haven't tried out if this can work with the dynamic instance. It's such a drawback that MAYA doesn't allow dynamic instance behave like rigid body....it's SUCH an obvious need AUTODESK!!! Anyway....technical questions are popping out like hell...

• How to make dynamic instances behave like rigid bodies?
• How to create a splash when the object ( likewise, dynamic instances) hit the ocean surface?
• How to rig a soft-body creature...in my case, an octopus?
• How to create underwater kinda look?
• How to rig a whale? ( this one I think I already found some potential solution...need to test it though)

BTW...I heard MAYA2009 improved the particle system (nParticle) and fluid dynamic a lot... hope that will help me eventually~