New modem - DOCSIS 3.0, anything I should know?

[Xylob the Destroyer]

My old surfboard that I've had (renting from Comcast for almost 6 years now) has had it...
I bought a new Motorola SB6120 today and WOW what a difference! I forgot what broadband was like apparently, and I've only got the 12Mb package.

I don't have a gigabit router/networking and only one PC supports gigabit so I know I won't be able to take full advantage of all the new modem's features, but is there anything I can do to make better use of my new toy?
I know there is a 1.0.1.8 firmware for it but mine only has the 1.0.1.7 and it seems that only my ISP can do anything about that anyway and unlike my router, there's nothing in any of the modem 'pages' to configure...
I'll be re-arranging some stuff between rooms etc in a few weeks and will have to get new network cables - are the cat6 really worth the few extra $$ over cat5e?
What in the heck are bonded channels? I got a blue light on the receive indicating that's a bonded channel, but the send light is only green - is my router the bottle-neck? Does it really matter?
I don't do much downloading and when I do it's generally not big files. I don't play PC games online, and have rarely noticed problems when online with my PS3 or 360 (though downloads on the PS3 are slow as hell).

I've got a Linksys WRT54G with the latest firmware, but most of the settings in it are way beyond me. I use dynamic IPs because setting up static confuses me, no port forwarding etc set up, only use the wireless occasionally with Wii, PSP, maybe the laptop now and then.
I just want to make the most of my "new" fast connection. It's nice not having to wait forever for pages to load or to make forum posts!
8)

TIA!

[Xylob the Destroyer]

Oh yeah - over the past year or so we've gotten into the habit of turning off the powerstrip/surge protector when we're not using our computers.
It's the same surge protector the modem and router are plugged into.
Will cutting off the power so regularly (every morning before we go to work) and so abruptly have any adverse effect on a modem (or the router for that matter)?