IMac :: Best Strategy For Migrating Settings And Files

I am moving from a PB 10.4 to a new Imac 10.6. The PB has several years of my Mac life; the Imac just the pristine OS. I have already learned how to transfer files: I got the firewire cable and know the Setup/Migration attendants reasonably well. However, there are several issues confusing me on how to proceed.

(1) If I let SA transfer my PB files wholesale, then I'll be taking my 10.4 life with me. That's not why I bought a 10.6 machine!
So as far as Apple stuff goes,
(2) I would like *not* to transfer it as much as possible. In particular, not have the old /Applications replace the new one.
(3) I would like to transfer the settings as well as support files that my own use has generated, eg, preferences, bookmarks, cookies, etc.

If you have walked this fine line before, please tell me how to proceed. Tentatively, I am thinking: Use SA to transfer my Users account, most other stuff but NOT Applications. I'll transfer non-Apple apps by hand, and use the Apple apps that came with 10.6. (Hopefully, my settings, preferences, bookmarks, etc would have been transferred and the apps will see them.)