No need to apologize, I see your point completely. I have experienced what it's like and it's true. The best things in life are free, and there is always another way to them than the classic path.
I find it important to take little steps towards less and less dependence on the system. And that does take time. I figure: Better a long runup full of detours, than a short runup with no solid backing for arriving... hmmm... hard to put into words right now ;)
Really excited for your post, I feel a lot of people will learn a lot from your inishgt and experience.
Much love