creatine is linked to lots of other benefits other than gaining muslce mass. Its good for buring fat, joints, metabolism, etc. When i get it i take the entire tub or bottle of it, than take a break from it.
There are mixed thoughts on how you should run it, I would mess around with the doses and timing to see what gives you the best results. I dont really trust what "rules" or "guidelines' most people go by.