Hi Bob,
Let's see if I can sort out your issues.
All the exercise files are available in the downloads so you shouldn't need to recreate anything - unless you are doing it to further your understanding :)
As for the vertex weight panel, there needs to be an active vertex. If you select a bunch of them at once there is only selected vertices and not an active vertex.
Just shift click 1 vertex and it will show that panel.
As for the 'springing back to the original shape', this is an option on the modifier.
Do you see the 2 icons on the left (where my mouse is)
Enable both of them.