Hi @xplor3 - welcome to here - amazing questions!
You're right, those points are given to the Uploader for posting the torrent, for one reason or another. When a torrent gets a lot of points and thanks, the movie must be pretty good!
As for facts or tricks of the trade, there are a lot of them to be discovered here. Having been a (active/inactive) member since 2006, I'm still learning new stuff myself! It will be easier to find the tricks of the trades that benefit you, when you narrow down what you like. One fact that I like is that a lot of Themed movies will have subtitles.
Freeleech does not quite work that way, to chip in together directly. But by hitting the Thanks button and awarding points to torrents that you enjoy, you're supporting other Members in our goals of sharing. Using your points to make a torrent Freeleech is a rewarding experience as well.
Ricky
GayTorrent.ru Staff