I suggest pen-packing for superb joints. A real novel way to roll a perfect fat joint is to take a 1.25" paper, wrap it around a Sharpie and seal it. Just slide it off most of the way and pack away. The paper should have just enough overlap to glue and that's it. You won't have a nice conical shape, but you will have a mean joint. Maybe try rolling with a blunt wrap; it's easier and more forgiving for the most part, except if the wrap is especially moist.

And I prefer to grind my buds for jays, but now I hate ground weed in bowls. I handroll my own cigs so a joint is pretty much automatic now. And yes, knowing all the technique in the world won't do a damn if you never practice, so keep on keepin' on.