Quote -   No doubt my pics will still be flawed but at least I'll have the satisfaction of knowing they are honest works and not vacuous eye candy.

I just want to comment on that for a teensy second. IMHO, there is no such thing as 'flawed' art at least from what I have learned... Its based on interpretation and appreciation. If the technical side is whats getting you down about creating a project, then maybe what would be best is to focus on exactly what it is that makes you happy and proud of what you make and/or upload. When it comes right down to it you are your own worst critic (I'll try not to throw out any more cliches) and if the work you are currently producing doesn't satisfy your creative need then consider what it was that you did enjoy about your older work.

Try not to worry so much about 'perfection' and 'flaws' because no matter what you do, you'll see those every time but make sure that what you did make in the end makes you happy and proud enough to show it off.

One sign that I know I've made something worthwhile is that I want to look at it. Don't do something that you want to upload and forget because then it WILL NOT make you happy and will keep you in the rut you're currently in. Make sure you want to look at your new image and even go as far as to set it on your desktop as a wallpaper or something....