Best to use the dosing ring (shown in the link), it makes the job a lot easier, I have the ground coffee to the top, once you pat it down a little it will be just below the top, but this is all trial and error, you may prefer slightly less, so up to you. I tried using less coffee but wasn't strong enough and inconsistent results, by having it at the top every time means your coffee should be consistent
Yes I use a dish cloth to hold the base when screwing the top part on as its hot