Hot Key Macros are only useful if you can remember which key does what.
Consider using mnemonic Macros. For example, in your email client, you might define a set of Macros to Insert Text, so use control-A for your Address, control-S for your Signature, control-N for your Name, and so on.
For function keys, consider either putting a label on your keyboard above the function keys. We've found you can use a fine felt tipped pen to write on your keyboard directly (usually this will come off easily with a wet finger, but avoid any permanent markers that you might regret later!).
Be consistent in your choice of Hot Keys. For example, use function keys to launch applications, control-function keys to open documents, control-letter to Insert Text, and so on.
It is quite hard to come up with global Hot Keys that will not conflict with those keys used by any application (a conflict is not really a problem, the Macro Hot Key will simply override the application, but this is not always desirable). It is best to use function keys, especially in conjunction with modifiers, as global Hot Keys since they tend not to be used by most applications.
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