A suggestion:

Head on down to the local library and check out all the books you find
there on woodworking and table saws and enjoy a few weekends of reading
and thinking. This news group and the web in general can supplement what
you find in the library.

There is probably a connection between being able to resolve the "miter
thingy" looseness and actually constructing usable items from wood.

The solution to your problem at this point does not lie in the purchase
of any equipment (except perhaps some measuring instruments). Remember
that no tool is perfect and learning a craft means learning to deal with
less-than-perfect tools. It also involves an appreciation for some often
subtle economic tradeoffs. Any efforts applied to mastering the
Craftsman table saw's weaknesses now will pay big dividends the rest of
your life if you continue with the hobby. It is just far too early to
give up on the saw you have.

Good luck!

Chuck