Helping Hands ResearchI did send out a circular but for anyone that missed it here we go....
Basically researching Helping Hands allows you to use extra workers in the WOOD mills only. 4 helping hands workers gather the same as 1 normal worker - so expensive! They do not work on the luxury resources (ie; marble, glass, wine & sulphur) so don't waste your citizens. Although is shows on the slider that you are gathering more - in fact you are not. I tested it myself on my island where I have 2 colonies and put the extra workers in one mine and left the other at normal maximum. They practically gathered the same amount in the same time.
PillagingAs you all know I am a great believer in generous donations to the resource mills

I have found that if you pillage someone in "waves" youactually get to pillage much more! For example:
Attack 1 - I send in maybe 6 slingers and a phalanx or 2.
If the enemy has enough of an army to last more than 1 round then I send in another set of men...
Attack 2 - send another 4 slingers (or however many you need according to battle report) to kill off his men - 5 mins after sending 1st attack.
Outcome - I win the battle and pillage TWICE (2 lots of goods come home) but I have only attacked ONCE and therefore it is not considered "bashing".