Hi
yes symmetry will help reduce the mode and may reduce the run time
VDC is used to redcue the contact stray oscillation and eange between 0-100 usually 20 is better and needs to further tuning as the model neeeds , check the manuel for the calcuation on the VDC values.
check for the papers its the best source, you can ask the authos for the input files, i am asure they migh send you ther models.
cheers, Ram