how to remove Meta links, “Write Post” functionality

I’m trying to create a metafilter-like blog with WordPress and have some initial questions about “stripping” down the functionality available to posters. I’ve set newly registered users to be “authors,” as that looks like the role that gives the least amount of admin access while still allowing creation of front-page posts.

First, on the front page, I would like to add a link to the Meta section that takes you directly to the “Write Posts” page (assuming you’re a registered user). I’d also like to remove the “site admin” link from that list.

On the “Write Posts” page, I don’t want users to be able to see the Discussion, Post Slug, Password Protect, Time Stamp, or Post Author buttons. I also don’t want them to see the Upload, Optional Excerpt, Trackback, or Custom Fields functionality at the bottom of the page.

I don’t know any php but I’m fine with going in and editing these files if given very specific directions. I just don’t know where to start looking for the correct files, nor do I have confidence that my guesswork editing of them wouldn’t break them altogether.

Thanks for any help you can offer!