Ken,
Create your ladders in Word or whatever word-processor you have. Write your code (and any text you might want) in Courier and include all of the necessary formatting codes. Then cut-n-paste from the word-processor into the reply window.
As soon as you paste your code (be sure you included the [Ladder]-[/Ladder] code)... it will look like it has gone to hell... don't worry... it hasn't.
When you "Preview" your code, it will display just fine. Go ahead... preview again... it will still display just fine.
It's easier to do edits in the original copy in your word-processor. Then, of course, you'll have to cut-n-paste again.
Keep your word-processor open, in the background, to a scratch file, while you are on site. Then switch back and forth as you need.