First time/Small miner reference for getting started.There's a small write-up at the bottom of that thread about selecting a pool.
You seem to be on the right track by mentioning slush, as it does pay the transaction fees to the miners. Depending on the network that can make up a significant portion of your rewards.
Like I said I mine at kano, slush is just larger and will provide multiple small payouts a day. You could also check out CK pool.
All in all you have to decide for yourself. I'd say read the OP on kano and CK, then ask questions in those threads; slush is pretty straightforward but feel free to ask there as well. Most people that mine at either pool are able to answer questions, and the Pool operators monitor and respond as well. Good luck.
