I think everyone has their own  "best method" for self braiding.  I've watched others french braid their own hair, and I know I don't use the same fingering.  Maybe that is because I had to teach myself how to braid my hair.  My best advice is "practice, practice, practice".  The more you practice, the easier it gets.

yes  they are! i only watch before i start  if  there are no strange loops on top of my hair.

I'm afraid Brad, the Bunjii guy has closed up shop.  He was looking for a buyer for a while, but his web page disappeared a couple of months ago.  We can only hope that someone brings them back.

If you're new to braiding altogether, see if you can braid someone else's hair a few times first so you can get the hang of it.  Then when you start on your own hair, don't use a mirror, close your eyes and try to visualize where the strands of hair are and where they're going.  I don't know about everyone else but when I used to french braid my own hair, it was easier to leave a strand loose over the top of my hand to keep it seperate, rather than try and hold it between my fingers.  My hair is thick and coarse though so it stays in place well, if your hair is thin or silky it might not work as well.