One reason this site is less active than you might expect is that each of the various Meade scope models has its own site somewhere on the Web, and often several such places. For example, you will find a huge amount of information on the various ETX models at Weasner's Mighty ETX site, http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html .
Regarding dew shields, they can be made of many things--it is important that the inner surface be a flat black color so that it will not reflect stray light into your scope. You can start with a cardboard tube or buy many variants. I have an ETX-90 that I seldom use now (I've bought a 10-inch LX200GPS and use the ETX optics as a guide scope for it), but I have enjoyed the screw-on type of dew shield made by Meade for the ETX scopes--it uses the same threads that the front lens cover uses. You can find it at scopetronix.com , a reputable vendor who has treated me well (nearly always getting my order right, and correcting the rare, inevitable human mistakes without complaint). Other good vendors include astronomics.com and optcorp.com .
Pointing accuracy improves if you do a very careful job with the Train Drives command--do this with either a crosshair eyepiece (if you have or can borrow one) or a high-power eyepiece. Leveling the scope carefully is also helpful--buy an inexpensive bubble level.