IS THERE AN REAL EASY CASING TEK (FOR AN AMATEUR)?no, see below
WHAT ABOUT INSERTING A STRAW IN THE CAKE?
no, see below
COULD I POSSIBLY CASE THE HALF OF THE CAKE (WHOLE-NOT BROKEN UP) AND THEN INSERT A STRAW?
no, please refrain from any experimentation on your first attempt. Stick to straight PF tek first time, perlite humidification at this point will be up to you. Don't try and stress bulk or potency or anything until your third or second attempt. Your primary goal this time should be spore production to get you set for life on experimentation at later growth crops.