Hi NJ!
With the roast spuds, the halogen recipe book says to parboil 10 mins, roast at 220c for 50-60 mins.
What I do is ;D heat the halogen up to max, remove all racks, add oil, peel spuds halve the big ones and chuck in! Keep an eye on them and they're done to perfection

in around 45-50 mins.
With a pork crackling joint the halogen recipe book says heat to 210c, place joint on low rack, in a tray, cook for 20 mins, heat down to 180c for 20 mins to every 500g. If meat starts to look too dark, cover with foil. Leave meat to rest for 15-20 mins.
I'd follow that, but when meat is out, carefully remove the skin, wack up the heat, place skin back into the oven, and keep a very close eye, generally I manage to burn mine, but it's still quite edible, reckon about 10 minutes or so. Additionally before adding meat at the start, I'd cut into the skin, remove excess moisture and add salt.
The top shelf is a bit quirky, I agree, good for grilling, I find anything that needs more time I put lower down.
Glad you're using your halogen and it hasn't become a counter queen!!!

As for moving stuff around, I use a long handled pair of tongs, still manage to burn myself though! Lol!
All the best,
Colette.
;D