Hey David, I don't know enough to help you out on the rats but, It is good to see you are apparently turning over a new leaf. Now if you will listen to a few points i would like to make then i expect it might help you.
Don't expect to suddenly become Mr Popular on the site, i expect it will take a couple years at least if ever to revert some peoples opinions of you.
Secondly Keep it up, if you do let it slip then don't expect to get another chance soon as it will just be viewed as another attention stunt.
As for finding the information just cross check every piece of information and make sure that what you are writing is correct.
Good Luck.