the better part of me

Well then, we're back to me just not having what it takes to do this. And if that's the way it is, better not to waste any more time on it when I could be doing something I am good at. I've gone as far as I can go on my own. If tips from others aren't an option, then that's the end of the road.

Besides, entering AMV contests is all about trying to win. It means trying to make what the judges want to see, and that's a lousy reason to create anything.