[sailingdog]

You do want to support the boom a bit when you're raising the main, since it makes it easier to get the main to full-hoist.

So to raise the mainsail you would

1) ease off on the kicker/boomvang and mainsheet,
2) tighten up on the topping lift,
3) raise the main,
4) tighten the outhaul,
5) ease the topping lift,
6) adjust the boomvang/kicker as needed.

If you ease the boomvang/kicker and mainsheet before you tighten up on the topping lift, it makes tightening up on the topping lift much easier.

To lower the main, you want to:

1) Ease off the kicker/boomvang,
2) tighten up on the topping lift,
3) ease the outhaul,
4) drop the main,
5) tighten up the boomvang/kicker and mainsheet.

Don't forget to make sure the reefing lines are clear to run freely when raising the mainsail. Also, make sure that no reefing ties were left tied in the last time the sail was used.