2 questions on the tutorial "Complex Button RollOver/RollOut Effects"

Hi guys.
Thank you for the tutorial, I’ve been wondering how to make that effect for quite a while now.
I have two questions about it though.

I’m using the effect for a text menu, and I’m wondering how to make a hit area for the text. I’m used to doing that under a Button symbol. I should maybe convert some symbol into a Button instead of Movie Clip or Graphic?

And my next question is how I can have the button stay on the 15th frame when I press it? I’m loading external swf movies when I press the buttons.

Thank you so much in advance.

/Mattias (www.subfusc.se)