To address the 'to bleed or not to bleed' when doing a simple pad slap.

I NEVER open the bleeder to clear the new pad distance, you can simply hold the caliper while on the car and pull against the rotor to 'spread' the pads. This forces the fluid back into the system and lets you put new pads in without bleeding. If you have nearly worn out pads this will take some time to open them up enough, be patient. (Also, if you have added fluid while running on nearly worn out pads, you may have to bleed the brakes in order to open them as the master cylinder and it's reservoir will be full and have no room for the fluid you are trying to back up into the system.

On the subject of brake fluid... change it every two to five years. If you do not, the brake fluid will begin to break down and corrode your lines. No matter what type of fluid DOT3, DOT4, race fluid, etc. Most mechanics will not even tell you this unless you ask. By having your brake fluid flushed every two to five years, you are performing preventative maintenance like you do when you flush and change your coolant system and engine oil.

As to doing brakes yourself... ALWAYS be extra careful when disassembling and reassembling your components. As HDDP quoted... "if your car doesn't start, no biggy ... but if your car doesn't stop, you're dead" !!!