Here we go,

When melee attacking, you compare st vs. Target defence. It seems it would add 1 black dice per defence following the example in the rules, but it's not clear. Do you compare the two or just add black dice?

By the by had my second session, it's going well as but a few hiccups during fighting.

This is actually answered in the FAQ, which you'll want to be sure and get (you can find it here http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite_sec.asp?eidm=93&esem=4 ).

All actions that target "vs. Target Defence" have a default difficulty of Easy (1 purple die), they do not use the normal Opposed check rules. Also, actions that are vs. Target Defence add black dice equal to the target's defence rating, just like you said.

Thank you. Read, everything is better now.