[xtravistx]

I've been playing Party Sit n Go's for about 6 months, this is what I can offer.
1) Never played 5+1, but 10+1's are very very soft. 1/2 are maniacs, other 1/2 are weak/tight. Very beatable. Often 2-3 out by level 3. 20+1 doesn't seem to be a huge jump in skill, but haven't played enough to tell yet.
2) 50 buy ins or $500 should be way more than you need for 10+ 1, especially if you're moneying that much. I think 250 is plenty for that level.
3) If you're good at all, getting in the money 60% of the time shouldn't be hard. As you make the transition from good to "expert" and make more of those 3rd place finishes into 1st place finishes (finishing at 1st place as much as 1/2 or more of your money finishes) is where you'll make your good money.
4) stick to NL, the fish will stay on any draw and suckouts are more likely to occur. Plus NL's are faster because they love going all in every chance they get and knock each other out really quickly.