Well I work with my DAW on the side and have a midi controller (yes cheating). I use the SP mainly for 'the sound'.

Cutting off your samples ain't possible as much as I know on the SP. That sucks, but still gives you the SP user more challenges. So in your case it would mean you should work the SP in 'gate mode' and weave the samples/pads together to add new melodies and sequences to your beats.

Man once again. Rhythm is so important. Get into the groove and start jamming (in resample mode). Trial and error is your best friend.

oh alls good! just thought I'd use it if the option was there...hehe

yeah been having a blast with it! I don't really use it to make my more ambitious beats but for sort of 1 minute janks and maybe getting inspired to expand on them in fruit loops or something.