[maxmsp] Re: managing multiple patches

bpatcher is certainly an option, but it's definitely not the only way to manage complex patches in Max/MSP.  It really depends on your end goals, and from the sound of your post it seems like you're not quite sure what you're after (don't worry, many of us are in similar positions... I find myself feeling that way over and over...)

I would definitely recommend checking out the Max46Topics.pdf document, there are chapters on "Efficiency" and "Encapsulation" that might be particularly relevant to your questions.

Other than that... be patient, try things out, and feel free to come back to this forum with more specific questions or patches to post.  I think you'll find a very helpful community out there...

Hope that helps,
Dan