You have spent $5K+ on an AVID certified ws and "partner solutions" and training materials and have still not been able to acheive decent output, in two years of trying ... And, then, you allow them to convince you that an upgrade will fix all your problems !
OK, so there's "amateur" (non-derogatory version).
Then there's "professional" (also non-derogatory).
And then there is, uh..."semi-professional."
I don't make money with my vids (yet) but feel I am a bit past the label of amateur IMO and some people say my stuff looks professional (and I agree occasionally) but don't feel semi-pro would be honest.
So I slyly use "serious amateur" :)
Or, hey--wait a minute: isn't one of the definitions of being a pro = making money through one's skill?
Well, then all I have to do is sell one DVD for USD $ 1.00 and--bam! I'll be a pro.
(I know, I know, it's not just about making a buck. A pro makes a living with his or her skills. I'm just being silly here.)