I agree about don't let the "Naysayers" get to you. Learn from them, yes, but let their attitude bother you, no.
My first Mid-Power Scratch Build, back in 2000, was made from a 3ft. long, 4" wide piece of Carpet Tube. If I had done a "Build Thread" here, I'de likely have been discouraged out of doing it at all. Things being as they were, I did'nt even have Internet Access at the Time, nor did I have any Fellow Rocketeers to talk to or get any Advice from. I started out with only this really cool G80 Motor that the Hobby Store had ordered for someone who never came to pick it up. I was in there getting Ignitors, to use for my Cannon, and found this huge Motor. I thought to myself, "I could build a Rocket to fly that Motor.", so that's what I did.
And guess what? It flew great, and I went back to the Hobby Store and ordered more G80s. Sadly, after 4, or was it 5 Flights, it ended up about 80' up in a Tree, lost forever, and barely visible from the Ground. I did'nt know about TTW Fin Construction, and about 2 months after it got stuck, I went to look for it after a windy Storm, and found one Fin on the Ground. I already had had to order the Aerotech Controller to fire the Aerotech Ignitors, so I decided to order their G-Force, so I could keep Flying G Motors.(Also ended up in a Tree).
Point being, I did'nt even have any Guidance, and managed to make a great Mid-Power. You have a lot of support, plus a Club, so you should eventually turn out a flyable Specimen.
I can't wait to see you put up a Video of your first Launch of this Scratch-Built Rocket. Keep at it, and keep us Posted.