That can't be right about the microsoft SDK as it is only available on windows, hence the reason for libfreenect and openNI 
I'll assure you using the kinect natively is much much easier but obviously you guys don't exactly have that option.
I feel like thats pretty common that beginners end up here on the forums because they get in over their heads from being a bit overly ambitious. I was the same way when I first started but its a good way to learn too. The problem usually arises from addons that, like openNI, haven't been maintained well or the user is no longer active so troubleshooting tends to be a bit trickier.
Some people add in a little tutorial to their work to get things calibrated and tracking when on display but yeah the poseless tracking is generally much nicer. Sorry I couldn't be of more help I work more closely with the core of OF and notably the windows side of it.