Hi Greg,

Welcome!

I love this from your post: "I love the idea of being able to play but never sunk in the time and effort it required to truly play."

Why do I love it? Because HERE YOU ARE DOING IT! This is so awesome.

Nobody"should" be a better player simply because they have been playing for years - unless they spent a good deal of that time actually working to advance their skills in a methodical committed way. 

You have made a great choice and you have come to the right place!

Be well, Have fun,  - Lisa