Hi Taraz. I think this is probably one of your most informative posts you have done. Hopefully it will inspire others who are waning and open their eyes to what is possible with commitment and hard work.
I still laugh at you calling yourself an occasional writer. maybe at the time you were but you are more than occasional now. Like you I don't have the tools to shortcut by investing and powering up but one of these days I will.
I changed it a few months after this to 'continual writer' because it started to get out if hand. :D