[Pulling my hair out with the most basic setup]

Did you go and setup the individual folders that you want to be duplicated. 

 

Pool Options > File protections > Folder duplication

 

Note: I don't think the above  is available in WHS2011 nevermind

Is there any way to configure DrivePool via the normal setup screens?

 

Don't install the whs version and use the version for win7 instead.  You won't have the dashboard and will have to RDP to use it or use the remote opton.  You will also have to setup shares manually.

[Pulling my hair out with the most basic setup]

Did you turn on folder duplication? It;s not automatic.