I went through much the same as you and I still have a plotter that doesn't measure right for the same reasons you do. I just live with it as you are.
Some times us old "box of rocks" can get lost in something new. No problem.
Get use to the green medals, you'll no doubt see many more of them. I have.
Be careful what you say to the wife else she thinks your crazy, which you will become if you play long enough.
Rockin Robins has some fun stuff but also some very useful tutorials.
Good luck and good hunting.
Magic