I'm new to turning myself, but haven't had the problems your experiencing. The bowl gouge may have a little higher ends due to the deep flute, but if you make sure you're rubbing the bevel, it shouldn't catch. I also use the toe of a skew to 'mark out' some rings approximately every half inch or so, so the gouge doesn't ride up. It has a place to stop. I've found these techniques in a great book that I bought by the author Kieth Rowley: Woodturning, a foundation course. I've read everything I could find, but this gentleman put it in a way that i could follow and understand. I would recommend it to anyone. I keep this book right next to my lathe at all times for reference. So far, first time out I made 2 lamps and am in the process of making a pot, which is coming out pretty good for my first time. Hope this helps :idea:
Night Owl