I know there are workarounds, but why doesn't Adesk add better support for shared network resources such as tool palettes (with groups)?
Where can I find a guide for the best way to setup and maintain shared TPs?
To find the "best way", you are going to have to look at the available options and choose the one that works for your situation.
You can find several sources via a search of these forums. (Search on "shared tool palettes".)
Here's one source (for example) for a "guide" (which may require AUGI login):
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/CAD-Managers/Shared-Tool-palette/m-p/3784846/highlight/true#M85597
Apparently there are good resources on Autodesk University as well:
http://au.autodesk.com/au-online/classes-on-demand/search?full-text=tool+palettes