Lee

A sobering tale, I salute you for having the courage and the generosity of spirit to post it.

There is only one thing I would take issue with: you think you are less of a photographer for using a compact camera than a dslr.  It has been said many times before, but it really is not the equipment that makes the photographer.

I, along with others, have argued in this forum before about the merits of using a compact camera for macros of bugs etc.  They are an ideal piece of equipment in many ways.  The dslr you now own, has its own advantages for different shots. I hope you come to realise the dslr is an additional piece of equipment you will use for other photography in the future. 

In the meantime my plea is that you continue to enjoy and get pleasure from using you compact cam to take exceptional macros of bugs.

Don't let this setback spoil your rewarding and interesting pastime. 

Richard.
  

And every one said, 'If we only live,
We too will go to sea in a Sieve,---
To the hills of the Chankly Bore!'
Far and few, far and few, Are the lands where the Jumblies live;
Their heads are green, and their hands are blue, And they went to sea in a Sieve.

Edward Lear
http://www.nonsenselit.org/Lear/ns/jumblies.html