Is there a user's guide for the Reader? Or even a help file of some kind? I.e., how is the poor user supposed to figure out all its functions?
Yes there is one, and you can find it here ;)
Linky - ST Modding Files (http://www.simtropolis.com/modding/index.cfm?p=details&id=381)
QuoteThis is an introductory guide to the Reader program, & goes over various functions & features of the Reader program; including an overview of how to use the Plugin Analyzer. It is not completely comprehensive, & is meant as a guide only.