How do I find out if my question is answered? & who answers, anyhow?

These are user-to-user forums.  Unless you see an Adobe STAFF badge by the person's name, you're talking to a fellow product user & volunteer.  In most cases the people with the most points denoted by their MVP or ACP badge status have been using Adobe products for many years.  If they can't answer your question, they can usually lead you to help articles that will.  

You'll get an email when somebody replies to your question.  If you don't, check back to the web forum.