Paul, early on it's easier to take notes on the bad players than it is on the good players. The bad players simply play more hands. Given my ADD, I come back to the table while surfing and look at the chip stacks. Those who have about the same number of chips, or slightly smaller, are the ones that are going to be there as the table numbers dwindle.
I have a couple of easy tipoffs. Mini-raises. Good players rarely ever use them. Bad players always use them, if they aren't going all in and winning <$100TC in blinds. The things you list are very rare indeed at low limits, and you might actually think you're seeing stuff that isn't actually happening. Continuation bets? Not really, he just thinks he has a good hand that he shouldn't have played from EP in the first place.
The other problem with taking notes is as the table gets shorter, most of the players get more easily confused. Many are absolutely shocked they got this far. They have little idea how to play 4 or 5 handed. Their collars get very tight around their necks and they start to choke.
Try to identify the one or two guys that you'll be facing at the end. Decide your strategy based upon whether they are tight/passive, tight aggressive or loose/passive. If you see a guy who suddenly starts playing more hands fast, stay out of his way. He's probably pretty good. (You might have seen him in early rounds play very few hands and raise 3 or 4X when he does. A good indicator he knows how to play.)
Let's keep 'em coming. Knowing thy enemy is a key to winning. That, and position.
CJ--not an expert, I just play one on BTP.
"Are the players better as the stakes go up? It's not an exam; it's a buyin." Barry Tanenbaum