The best way to use the microwave is for meals that will benefit from being steamed, like vegetables. Failing that, regular stirring and occasionally protecting some thinner bits with foil are the way to go.
Metal is not microwave kryptonite, it is the bouncer to the mighty power of NUCLEONIC ENERGY! ... But only where the foil is.
Say you're cooking a piece of salmon, you've got a comma shaped profile with a VERY thin edge and a much thicker body. You can cook the entire thing until the thin edge is almost done, then fold foil only around that part of the salmon. Microwaves will not reflect off and be absorbed by the exposed food instead.
As long as something in the microwave is exposed that can absorb the waves sufficently, no harm will come to you or the microwave.
The best way to use the microwave is for meals that will benefit from being steamed, like vegetables. Failing that, regular stirring and occasionally protecting some thinner bits with foil are the way to go.