What was your ego at before you started tackling it? You are definitely a far more "serious" (there is probably better word choice) player than I. And it's paying off!
My ego was 2% and before I knew it, it had reached 10. It is finally at 0 but like you said, there is no buffer for the forgetful alcoholics.
Do you think they ever remember us? Maybe they hear us play and feel some type of nostalgia or dejavu !LOLZ