Nice points. The people I trust the most are those who have allowed me the space to figure things out on my own. I have certainly had times when I clung to what others advised me or relied on the assumption someone would always be here to guide me. It never helped all that much and I later concluded that anything they told me was something I could have easily figured out if I put in a little more effort myself (i.e. was being impatient). In a couple recent posts I have spoken up to encourage people towards more autonomy... more or less saying, quit being so co-dependent, don't expect others to do your legwork, and just do it yourself.
I'm not sure what others are really expecting to get from somebody who seems older, wiser, more advanced, etc. than themselves (which is often why people turn to others for advice). For whoever is reading and might find it helpful: For me, it was mostly encouragement or friendly support in a moment when I felt like I was struggling, less than it was technical or methodical input. It's helpful to be mindful of this when reaching out. Is it actually technical help that genuinely cannot be figured out with a bit more experimentation and venturing into the unknown... or is it simply a friend/kindred spirit that is sought? There is nothing wrong with wanting a friend, so be honest about what is needed, otherwise interactions are likely to be steered in all sorts of directions that totally miss the point and are insincere.
And with that being said, Stef, thank you for giving me the respect and encouragement that I damn well had it in me to figure it out with this smart brain.

Steph