The first time I posted in "The Workshop" and "Custom Builts" Sections I felt like I was playing with the big boys in the school yard. And then instantly I became a different type of "Beginner".

If you don't feel like a beginner then you probably are not. Are you making good lather consistently, and have you cut down on nicks in your strop or razor burn on your face? If so, then I would say you have past the "beginning" hurdles of this hobby.