Hey Davey,
i just found this message. I missed it somehow. Well if you still need
the answeres, here you are:
1) I bought little flick switches rather than push-in buttons, does this
matter?
Switches are also ok.
2) Do you need the little stands for the IC's?
I recommend to use them. Since IC's are quite sensible for heat and
since you are a beginner, you should use sockets to not destroy them.
3) do I need to cut up a midi cable to get a connection for the mc2?
That would be simple. But you can of course use also other 5 pin DIN-Plugs
4) what are the best links for how to build the mc2?
Check the projects site, there is a little tutorial :
http://www.firestarter-music.de/lsdj