cck FAPI

I have been going though posts to try get some direction on data collection via forms in D6.

The story so far:

I could use cck to create a content type and then collect data, but, working with this has been a bit frustrating. The form insists on title, menu, and other elements that I don't want or need.

OR I could investigate FAPI and learn to code in the form in this medium.

From what I understand, and I'm obviously requiring direction, is I could:

1. Create a content type in CCK
2. Use the FAPI to create a form to use the content type to collect data