Well, welcome to the forum and TGM in general man.
I'll say flat-out that you're right in saying that this is the real deal.
Just remember that progress is not always in a straight line. Your learning will be have ups and downs- much like a stock market (BUT with TGM it will be like a FLOURISHING stock market!...ups and downs but always on the rise in general ...hehe, not bad eh
).
Just stick with it man. Everyone here will help.
It's taken me under a year to become pretty damn proficient with it. All it takes is some curiosity, an open mind, and a will to figure out this game that borders a bit on obsession.
You're right, these TGM forums are 'different', eh?
Good luck man.