some corrections

> However, you can purchase clone backups, which are activated
> when your pod is killed; there's usually some loss of skills
> when this happens, however.

If your POC is killed, you only lose Skillpoints if you've forgot to regularly upgrade your clone as you accumulate more skillpoints over time or if you forgot to buy a new clone at all (after the last was shot down). As long as your clone is up-to-date you won't lose any skillpoints.

> always improve your skills by purchasing "skill kits"
> --essentially plug-ins to your neural network interface
> that teaches you new skills instantaneously

New skills are being learned over time: buy a skillbook, klick "learn skill" and after some minutes, hours, days or weeks (whether you are online or not) the skill is learnt. You might have confused skills with implants. The latter give some advantages, like faster learning or more damage for cannons.

> Eve offers no free demo;

Of course there's a free 14-days demo: https://secure.eve-online.com/ft/?aid=100347&ad=forum