difference between handleException, SynapseException and mediate return false

[Jens Goldhammer]

Hello,

can you explain me the concept behind these things.
IMO, handleException is only a layer over SynapseException, but what 
should I use in the my own mediation?
What happens if I return false in the mediate-method? In my case the 
outSequence will be executed. Does it only mean that further child 
mediations will not be executed?

Thanks,
Jens