network configuration tool fails to input 6 character ascii wep key, offers zero help options

[crf]

I'm running from a live-cd of ubuntu 8.10
Ubuntu saw my wireless network interface, but the network configuration tool from the system --> preferences menu did not let me configure it correctly using an ascii passphrase.

I had to edit /etc/network/interfaces to enter the correct six character passphrase:
auto eth0
iface eth0 inet dhcp
wireless-essid dlink
wireless-key s:******

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I am using a 64bit wepkey (to accommodate older wireless cards also using the network)

Looking at the network manager tool now, with things working, the network security option shows: WEP 40/128-bit key, and the key passphrase has been converted into its corresponding hexadecimal form.

Why doesn't the network connections manager have any help options for when things go wrong?

Without help:
How are people supposed to know to convert their ascii passphrases into hex?
How are people supposed to know that if they have 64 bit keys (for instance), they are supposed to select the "WEP 40/128-bit key" option?
If these help topics were covered in the documentation, how are people to find them if there are NO HELP OPTIONS in the network manager interface?