Finally realized that you could switch OFF the pointer system in the menus! That allows you to aim your weapons in a more traditional style, using the Nunchuk control stick.
It also increases the battery life of the Wii remote, since the pointer is always active while you're playing the game!

Gameplay related, probably jumping into the lava while wearing Zora armor - not realizing it would take off all my hearts and fairies in one go! Not to mention missing a Big Key in a dungeon and having to start over from the beginning of the dungeon - following a walkthrough.