http://otakurevolution.com/content/where-to-start-getting-into-gundam - this is what I used. They are for the most part all stand-alone.

I still haven’t read the manga, If I am honest with myself I think its because the anime turned me off some much. I should probably add it to my read list.

I found it so hard to get through the Elfen Lied anime. It was the glacial pace for me more than anything else.

When you say weak, what do you mean? Never seen it but might add it to my watch list.