Iam,
I totally agree about your observation of notes getting messy due to not understanding the material. That's also been my experience. After MMing for awhile, i came to understand that it happened b/c i just didn't get the big picture. Once i get a handle on the overall concept, the notes stop being disorganized.
W/ MMing, this disorganization can work for us by allowing some spatial flexibility to bring about the overall understanding we are working at.
Everything you mentioned has also been my experience. In every case MMing can work wonders. A book that really speaks to what you wrote about is: Joyce Wycoff's Mind Mapping. She was a business woman for many years & got hooked on MMing. Her book is the one i treasure the most. Yes, better than Buzan! Her presentation from beginning to bibliography sets this book apart.
However, i don't think it would help Explorer. You know, i used it to help me understand exactly how i wanted to present my workshop!!! Her "To Do" MM is the most amazing thing. She's astute; her book is a must for anyone in the business world.
