Hmm... missed this for a few days.
My car will indeed go forward in 1st w/no gas. About 10mph as a matter of fact. Handbrake usage is restricted to parking. I have an remote car starter, so I usually leave it in neutral with the hand brake set.
As for hills, I learned on some rather steep ones. Trying to partially engage the clutch to hold positon while on adding any gas or holding the brake would result in a stall.
My technique is to quickly release the brake and step on the gas(don't floor it). Then I gradually(though quickly) release the clutch to start pulling forward.
