the defendants counsel was an attorney (not allowed in small claims).
Did you get up and object to the use of an attorney? If yes, with what result? What did the judge say?

If not, why not?

If filing Pro Se - is it better to use the simplified forms, or file a standard legal pleading?
Filing what?

Did you lose? Are you filing an appeal? If the decision was made by a magistrate, you have 7 days to file an appeal. If the decision was made by a district court judge, there is no appeal. See 600-8427:

https://law.justia.com/codes/michiga...tion-600-8427/

If you are allowed the appeal it's de novo (a do over) where the case is heard from scratch. If the defendant tries to use a lawyer, make sure you get up and object and cite the statute. See 600-8408

https://law.justia.com/codes/michiga...tion-600-8408/

As for the telephone thing, that's certainly within the judge's power to grant, even at the last minute with no notice to you.

Ideally, I'd have a lawyer to help with this but the ~5 that I've spoken with don't want to take it because there's not enough money in it. Any ideas where I can find a good one?
Not enough money? At $300 per hour and a $2500 retainer plenty of lawyers will take it on for you. Though, only in an advisory position.