Need "Big Picture" advice

[Jerboa]

Ok...I've been struggling getting in the money in MTT's (all at PStars)

50 tournaments, 2 final tables (3rd,6th), only a handfull of other ITM finishes. ~15% ITM rate total

I'm not sure what my problem is, nor how to evaluate my play. I get the feeling that strategically I am not going about it the right way.

In general, most tournaments go something like this...slowly build my stack the first hour (2-3000 at the break). Then die during the second hour...most times not making the second break.

I've read TOP, HEPFAP, TPFAP, and SSH

I begin to think that I am perhaps playing too tightly, and make myself too easy to get played with. Perhaps I am taking the "Gap Concept" a bit too far?

In general I'm looking for general strategic advice. (I have HOH vol 1 on order, it should be here this weekend for my reading pleasure)

Also what is an expected ITM rate for a winning player. (I am playing 5,10,and $20 buy-ins at PStars)