DUDE!! That looks awesome! Looks like you've made alot of progress too. Good luck with that, and I can't wait until its finished. Don't worry, I'm realistic. I don't expect it to be done anytime soon.
Though, when I did join this forum, I was just learning some C++, I know what you mean about the "noob" status people. I joined so many teams that were going to create a dream MMO and FPS. How far did they get? Not even pass design stage.
I have been learning C++ hard and steady for about 2 years now. I have created 5 simple games. A couple of them have been arcade remixes. They all use C++ and SDL. Right now, my main thing is designing my first kind of big 2D game. Now, on my programming time, I am studing up on Direct3D, and using that with 2D.
I have seen lots of people come from the noob status to creating some games? How do I know? I know because I have talked to lots of them on AIM, and other chat programs. Their progress is very fast lots of times.
All it takes is time and dedication, and you can get to the point also.
You need to think about things a bit different. Break projects into the tiniest possible but still reasonable chunks of goals. Each of these goals is significant not just finishing the project. No point really in just doing a project just to finish it is there? I'm sure youll come across a project that you enjoy that does get finished followed by a great feeling! Till then keep programming, learning and accomplishing small goals you set have setup. Sounds like your further along then me. So good luck :)