7.1. I'd like to customize my kernel. Is it difficult?

Not at all! Check out the kernel config section of the Handbook.

NOTE: I recommend making a dated snapshot of your kernel in kernel.YYMMDD after you get it all working, that way if you do something dire the next time you play with your configuration you can boot that kernel instead of having to go all the way back to kernel.GENERIC. This is particularly important if you're now booting off a controller that isn't supported in the GENERIC kernel (yes, personal experience).