Altus, No one here wishes anything but the best for you but after dealing with many people sometimes nerves get a little frazzled.
Yes, intensity deals with the 1RM max and to increase your intensity your volume (number of reps/sets) decreases. Keep the basics (heavy compound movments), train with intensity (around 90% of your 1RM and low reps), eat properly and you will do fine.
Glad to hear you are reading and improving your knowledge base as it will serve you very well. Train hard, train smart and you will grow.
Good luck on meeting your goals.
