The whole process seemed a bit too easy, apart from loading the film onto the reel (can you say frustration?)
Congratulations! B&W film processing is fun and rewarding. As many know, it isn't that complicated and can be done at the kitchen sink, no darkroom required (even the reel can be loaded in a 'changing bag', which eliminates the need for a windowless room).
If I may make a suggestion regarding your struggle with reels - it really is an art, and your fingers will learn in time, but if you are willing, there is a less painful method available that requires no skills mastery.
Kodak made a system back in the 1950's called 'Kodakcraft' which used a plastic 'apron' in place of a plastic or metal reel.
http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?pid=5629
The apron is a naturally curly bit of plastic with serrated edges (to keep the film from touching the plastic). One unrolls the plastic apron, unrolls the film, matches one end of the film to one end of the plastic, and lets the entire affair roll itself up by its own spring pressure. Of course one does this in the changing bag or a darkroom.
The rolled-up amalgam then goes into the tank and that's it. No muss, no fuss, no reels. It's brilliant, and I have no idea why did not catch on.
It has one limitation, and that is that it is not suitable for processing more than 1 roll of film at a time (using the modern-day Arista replacements as the link shows) or 2 rolls at a time (if you hunt down original Kodakcraft reels and tanks). So if you're keen on doing 4 rolls of film at a go, this would not be the way to go.
I have been using aprons for a number of years now - they are cheap as chips, washable and reusable, they work well, and they require no mastery and no fumbling about in the dark. I have reels, and they sit unused in the cupboard now.
Just an opinion, hope you find it helpful.
)
Best option so far I have found is to use the monitor as a light box and use extension tubes.
