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Not whinging, this is NOT a GW hate thread. I am simply after some decent conversation about the issues I am suffering from, so please dont turn it in to a GW hate thread! Its not to do with the prices or the state of the 40k rules!


I have been having thoughts about quitting wargaming completely. I current have a LOT of free time, and thought I'm pretty skint right now, I should hopefully be coming in to a fair bit of money soon, certainly enough to live comfortably for a while, and still enjoy a few GW splurges.

I am mainly a 6mm fan- I love epic and have a huge amount of 6mm fantasy. But being a bit of a niche within a niche, 6mm is a hard to treat as anything than a 'solo' hobby. \


Having suffered from metal health issues for the best part of two decades now, I was encourage by my doctors to make a push and get involved with 40k/AoS as not only would it be healthy, but it would allow me to continue enjoying wargaming, but with out limiting myself by just collecting 6mm stuff.

So I quit my job (thus loads of free time!) and moved overseas, and tried to get in to the wargaming scene here- though only in a very minor, online role, as I now live in the middle of nowhere and GW is a hour away by train, which I just cant afford till my money sorts itself out.

I got mad in to AoS (and thus 'back into' 40k- even though epic is still 40k!) and started 'hanging out' on the AoS/40k facebooks groups. I have painted more minis since January, than I have even managed in all the years I was painting, ok its still not that many, but I have been knocking stuff out for both scales, building terrain like mad, and feel that I have even improved a fair bit. I have a dedicated room to painting now, which is great and we do have enough free space that one day in the future I could have a HUGE table set up.

However I offered out my help to someone that was complaining that there was no warhammer scene in a huge UK town- the one I have in fact just moved away from and still own a house in. I pointed out and gave directions to all the shops, clubs and GWs in the local area, as well as times and locations for the local clubs, as well as stuff in the next couple of towns along, and provided him with details of how to use public transport to get there. ( And I was not rude, or condescending, just as helpful as I possible could!)

That's when a completely different set of people started knocking me, from calling me a liar to telling me I was out of order expecting this lad to travel by bus or train to get to another GW, that it was silly that the GW was so awful there and that he shouldn't have to use the FLGS because the GW is always shut (its a one man store whos one man up and left over night) that I was being an idiot, etc etc.

Then there are the usually flame wars on 40k sites, things like they better not AoS-ify 40k, complaints about the rules etc etc.

So with that I drifted away from helping people (I had been pretty involved with answering questions, and commenting on stuff up to that point) to the point now that I don't feel so interested in even working on my own stuff. Its feels like that this hobby has moved away from geeks having a good time, to a more mainstream WAAC community, much like video games did. (though I am not a football fan, I've heard it described as being likened to football hooligans with the attitude being shown)

Coupled with the last few days of painting failures- looking to push myself I have been trying new things. Made some stuff with water effects but the resin didn't set properly (my fault I guess, I probably didn't mix it well enough) and trying new painting techniques that just haven't worked out (I have tried and tried to paint yellow in style I am happy with and it just doesn't work- I have tried almost every way I have seen online to do it now)

It might not sound like much, but its been enough to push me back to a place where I'm thinking that this hobby might not be for me any more. I still get a lot of satisfaction when things do go right, but its becoming harder to not let the knocks push me down. I'm not very social, and GW is a very social hobby- even though I would like to be more involved socially.

I'm not too keen on the HH 40k side of things, and I seem to be in a minority with that, as people seem to be nuts for the HH stuff. Though I had massive plans of getting a new 40k army, and finally painting some of these orks I have, but I just don't feel like it if this is how warhammer is now. I will be able to support the hobby, money wise, but there is also no way I can keep up with every new release either, but then even if I was working, I don't think I would choose to do that either.


I just feel that I am not getting the most out of the hobby, as I could be, but I have spent the last few months putting in as much effort as I have been able to do. I don't feel I want to put more effort into it if this is how it will continue to be, I do have several other interest I could be focusing my talents into, though I would like to continue, as it is still by far the most relaxing hobby I have.

Your last sentence says it all to me. Look, sometimes it is a matter of pacing. There is no reason to 'keep up with the Joneses' especially at GW's breakneck pace. Paint a little, convert a little, build a bit of different scenery. Maybe you will come across another a few of a similar mindset and the few of you can decide what you want out of the hobby. Whether it's playing your own version, an older edition or another game entirely will be up to you, but there are many benefits to the hobby beyond hanging on the roller coaster that GW provides. Take it slow; no need to decide right away - if you still feel like quitting after awhile then quit! No harm done. Hang in there, and best of luck to whatever you decide!

Take a break. Get into D&D, PS4, something. Wait for your motivation to come back to you. If it doesn't in a couple months, think long and hard before quitting. If you still want to quit, then do it.

I'm not going to lie, there's something about the wargamming community that, for reasons I don't understand, brings out the worst in some folks. There's a lot of these folks online too. But always remember that these are just a sample of the population, and that there's a lot of good, honest folks out there too.

I think amanita above was correct; take things slow for now. It's all too easy to fall face-first into the hobby and get caught up in a mad dash to have the greatest or the best. Instead, find a small part of the hobby, and really focus some attention on that. Choose one model. Really paint it well. Paint it better than anything you've ever painted. Each time you want to cut corners, don't, and finish that paint job exhausted but proud. Then ask yourself "was this worth it?". If the answer's yes, do it again.

If the answer's "no", then consider trying something else for a while. Maybe wargamming isn't your thing, but there's a ton of other really amazing and awesome stuff! And don't worry, your time spent with Warhammer won't be a waste. It'll form part of your history. You'll remember certain fond times, and you'll remember it as time well spent.

Good luck!

There are plenty of wargames apart from GW stuff.

If you are into 6mm, there are lots of people playing 6mm Napoleonics and so on. I've got a large Russian army myself. (for Polemos Marechal de l'Empire and Sam Mustafa's Grande Armee.)

I would be delighted to play you if we could find a mutually agreable venue and so on.

 RexHavoc wrote:
Its feels like that this hobby has moved away from geeks having a good time, to a more mainstream WAAC community, much like video games did.

And here's your problem. The community is still "geeks having a good time" even if they're having a good time in ways that you don't enjoy. Calling it a "mainstream WAAC community" makes absolutely no sense, and doesn't even have anything to do with the problems you're talking about (rude behavior when you tried to offer help, etc).

 Yarium wrote:
I'm not going to lie, there's something about life that, for reasons I don't understand, brings out the worst in some folks.

FTFY

Every community, whether connected by blood, common interest, geography or anything else you care to mention, will have a population of douchebags. This is unavoidable, and douchebags don't cease to be douchebags just because.

The way the douchebaggery manifests may vary, but it'll happen just the same, not everyone is a decent human, some barely qualify as human at all.

It's always worth switching things up and taking a break. I will say this, you clearly have got a lot out of this hobby in the past, so I don't think you should abandon it completely. A couple of painting disasters can be a big set back, but don't let that ruin things for you. Take a break and come back to things in a couple of weeks.

Perhaps limit your time on sites like Dakka, etc. I know this place can be mighty negative at times, so may not be the best place for your mental health. I know I have trouble coming in here some days and seeing the constant bile. There are more positive sites out there.

Like others have said, try something else for a while, but don't throw the baby out with the bath water.

As above, people are gooners. Not concious of their behaviour.

Helping others out isn't worth it, cause point #1.

You will never get along with everyone however. One thing i learnt from sport, being good at something and pooring all your time into one thing isn't worth it. Do many things and just ride the fun wave as long as it lasts on that interest then move on. You'll meet more people along the way which opens more opportunities. I can apprieciate socialising is an effort, but with the right people it's worth it, so hold in there.

If you have to work very hard at it... it might not be the hobby for you.

If you actually liked 6mm there is all kinds of stuff in that scale.
Heck, X-wing is 6mm.
Ask around, you may find a few people who gave up on that scale as well.

Find a hobby place nearby.
Hang out there a bit.
Show interest in the multitude of stuff going on.
Check with the owner of what games are scheduled on what day.
Most people will talk your ear off if they love what they do.
If you find your enthusiasm not being the best, seeing other's enjoyment can be the next best thing.

I am sorry you had some "failures" with painting, but it is part of learning: you know what not to do right?
I say for every 5 minutes of perceived "brilliance" on my part was earned by 2 hours of stupidity in my past figuring it out.

I guess it all boils down to this:

What do you want from your "hobby"?
What efforts on your part would best get you want you want?
Who are the kinds of people you are looking for to share the hobby or socialize with?
Are there behaviors or environments to be avoided that may trigger those mental health issues?
What environments and behaviors do you find the most supportive?

I know that at any time my joy for the hobby seems like ashes it is because depression has snuck up on me.
You might need to take a few steps to address that before you get too hard on yourself.

Good luck!

Online communities are always like that.

meet face to face and they will usually clam up.

it might be worth slowing down a bit or just trying to focus directly on local groups.

there are definitely those competitive people only really focus on winning its not really avoidable unless you really control your group.

maybe the best thing might be to slow your roll and take a break. no need to full on flip the table ya know?

since you just moved out why not try the local scene.

Try x-wing it's much cheaper the rules much clearer and tends to attract an older calmer crowd.

One of my hobbies is as an outdoorsman. Camping , hunting and fishing. Many times more stressful then my 40K hobby and quite a bit of back breaking work. Not to mention times when nature pisses on you for several days straight. I can handle rain but day after day outside in it gets pretty miserable. Even when comparing the costs 40K won't ever reach as high. Huge costs in equipment like ATV, boat, tents, guns, chainsaw, generator, propane accessories etc plus ongoing costs like food, gas, ammo and propane will keep that hobby my most insanely priced one.
I suppose I can end this post the same way you ended yours; war gaming is the most relaxing hobby I have.

 RexHavoc wrote:
Its feels like that this hobby has moved away from geeks having a good time, to a more mainstream WAAC community, much like video games did.

I just feel that I am not getting the most out of the hobby, as I could be, but I have spent the last few months putting in as much effort as I have been able to do. I don't feel I want to put more effort into it if this is how it will continue to be, I do have several other interest I could be focusing my talents into, though I would like to continue, as it is still by far the most relaxing hobby I have.

These two things. So much.

40k has just degenerated into something that seems to not be salvageable, and promoted by a company that seems bent on destroying its own playerbase. Back when I was new to all this (start of 5E), 40k was regular fun and hilarity, with only a few rules issues between friends. There were issues, but there was a genuine feel that things were on the up.

Then GK and Necrons and 6E and extreme power creep and 6.5 and more money grabs and DLC rules and 7E...
And the game is at the point where I can't even call it fun most of the time, without heavily modifying it.

I think I've made myself sad now :(

..anyone for some 6mm 40k? Anyone in Hertfordshire looking for some NetEA?

OP do yourself a favor and use the block feature on FB, Twitter, and on Dakka if someone is being a dick. Dont let some jerk get you down in life, I get told everyday at work what an A-hole I'm and just about every other name in the book. If you let it bother you your letting them win. Most internet tough guys arnt tough in real life. Most have an alligator mouth with bird arms

I find it is healthy to have several games. This way you so not get burnt out playiNg, painting, collecting, etc one brand.

Keep your 40k and aos. Add on slowly when you get your motivation back. In the meantime, maybe try infinity, age of sigmar, a coop/solo miniature based boardgame, etc. I have done this and can now game with my 40k group, other groups, or play solo when not painting or collecting.

 jreilly89 wrote:
Take a break. Get into D&D, PS4, something. Wait for your motivation to come back to you. If it doesn't in a couple months, think long and hard before quitting. If you still want to quit, then do it.

+1 to this.

40k will be here. You can pick up the hobby again at a later date.
I took a 2 year break from 2014 to 2016. Some things have changed, but the game is still game same.

Sounds like you're letting people on the internet get to you. The sooner you learn to not give a gak about the opinions of people you've never met, the better.

Also taking a break is great advice. Like labmouse, I'm "back" from an extended break, and I'm really into it again.

 jreilly89 wrote:
Take a break. Get into D&D, PS4, something. Wait for your motivation to come back to you. If it doesn't in a couple months, think long and hard before quitting. If you still want to quit, then do it.

+2

I want to applaude you for this thread. I recognise myself in many of the things you mention and I believe I'm not the only one. I also really like how you bring everything up in such a just and non provokative manner, it's rare to see theese things so calmly talked about in forums like this.

 RexHavoc wrote:

I'm not too keen on the HH 40k side of things, and I seem to be in a minority with that, as people seem to be nuts for the HH stuff. Though I had massive plans of getting a new 40k army, and finally painting some of these orks I have, but I just don't feel like it if this is how warhammer is now.

Also I'm 100% with you on this. I love the 40k setting so much and have spent many hours digging through the lore. The 30k one just isn't as appealing to me and I have a hard time seeing why everyone seems so in love with it. I don't want to provoke an argument in this fine thread so if anyone want to get into a discussion about this either pm me or start up a new thread.

If you don't enjoy the it then you should not spend any more money on it. Stop spending, and if you are really sure that you don't like it any more sell it all. Use the money to buy yourself a nice vacation or buy the start of a new hobby. This will make you enjoy life more.

It is a good time to quit. Don't quit when a lot of players are quiting. Quit when you can still sell your army.

I jump from one thing to another, 40k for a few months, then Flames of War, then Xbox, then building airfix kits, then nothing apart from watching tv, then something else etc.
Keeps it all fresh.


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I thought I'd quit about 10 years ago but having been sucked back in I realised it was just a break

Thanks everyone. Your replies have help me see my problems with less smog in my eyes, and a good nights sleep has stopped me worrying so much.

@amanita Thanks, I have been stressing about trying to keep up AoS and its growing story where I had forgot that I just don't need too. GW is going at a breakneck speed nowadays, which is a nice change of pace for them, but its all too much for me. I'm going to stop trying to keep up and go back to just enjoying the parts I like the most. I dont have the finances too, and even if I did I'd rather be doing other stuff than just reading AoS books constantly!

@jreilly89 That might be a plan. I have a Xbox I have yet to unpack, and with the current star wars obsession in the house it might be a good time to finish off those lego SW games!

Yarium@ Thanks, I do forget that from time to time. Painting is meant to be a retreat from that kind of thing for me, but I forget that by sharing it in the public I invite that kind of thing back in to my sanctuary.

Kilkrazy:@ thanks, I thought about branching out in to historics, I just thought it would be harder to find like minded people out here- I live in the country and don't drive a car, so I'm limited to where I can travel too. Ive dabbled a little with Flames of war, but that never really took off, past the buying a few bits and looking at them stage. Perhaps it would be an idea to paint up two 6mm armies for them, that way I had one to loan out.

@Peregrine Yes, sorry. That was my bad phrasing, I should have said 'elitists' perhaps. I just find that wargaming sites seem to be attracting more and more of this kind of behaviour, then I recall it having 10 years ago. Nothing wrong with WAAC/tournament style playing at all. Nothing wrong with having fun in different ways, what I meant was that there seems to be more of the attitude of 'I'm right, you are wrong' sneaking in to places like dakka or gaming groups. I'm not really into tournaments (though partly because I have never been to one, partly because I dont think I would cope well, which would put other people off from having their fun) but the arguments on AoS not having points, 40k armies needing to be competitive seem to get out of hand more and more often, and I do recall a time where people would agree to disagree and go back to discussing, now it seems you are called out if you disagree with the mainstream approach to gaming. (preferring not only 6mm, but also games like inquisitor or necromunda to the main/current edition 40k game does seem to cause a lot of augments to the point that I dont always mention them when discussing stuff now- and its not like I am going around hating on 40k 7th, it just doesn't appeal to me as much as the other games do in its current form)

@Azreal13 haha yeah. Having moved far away to be able to have removed myself from people being like this too me in other parts of my life, I have found some peace and serenity here in the countryside, but its made me forget very quickly that the real world is still like that!

@General Kroll thanks, my lovely lady tells me the exact same thing. If I get so worked up because of the online side of gaming then she says I should just do it for myself and avoid posting. Trouble is, I love discussing wargaming, and really want to get more out of it than I currently do, and using sites like this is currently one of the few ways I can still do this. Perhaps I should just use them on my good days, or take a back seat roll and just read them for now.

@ haha thanks. One thing I was taught during treatment was too be nicer about people, which in theory should make me be 'better' about myself. Though perhaps I should still keep a post it not around to remind that people are gooners. One private not can hurt too much, can it?!

@Talizvar thanks. I used your questions almost like a check list, and thought I have yet to answer some of them, they are helping me see more clearly what I want out of this hobby.
I am too hard on myself when it comes to painting, when really, I should just get on with it, because I'm no master but even in this short space of time I have improved some what.

I might try x-wing, I love star wars, and though its not really my cup of tea (I prefer painting and modelling) it would give me some instant pull and play stuff to be involved in. Plus they would look great on the shelves.

@Desubot yeah I definitely need to get involved with the local group (which would be the 'local' GW) My anxiety puts me off as I don't know how to get involved with it, other than walking in there and being prepared to spend a fair bit of money in one go! (which I tried before and didn't work) I just feel I would be at a disadvantage- I'm too much of a veteran to be a new player (I know half the stuff they would try to tell me on a start game) but too out of the current editions to go there and know what to do to play. I've thought about going in on their painting night, I'm just waiting for my money to come through- at least if I couldn't cope I could buy a couple of bits then.

@hobojebus Yeah, thanks, as In my previous comments I might grab a starter pack ,as a stepping stone.

@ProwlerPC yeah I can imagine the cost- though I am lucky. The house I moved too backs on to one of the largest fishing rivers and it means I can take up fishing at a very low cost )just need some gear!) though it does mean I can just nip in doors if the weather gets too bad!! I have been in to survival shows for a long time, and the other half likes camping. In the 8 years we have lived together we have never been, so having moved I'm thinking of putting some of my money towards kitting us out to go. Annoying thing is we had a really nice 4x4 but it died on us during the move (we had to drive it over 1000kms in the space of a few days) and being old it finally died on us, and we just cant afford another car at all right now, otherwise we could have driven somewhere and camped this year.

@Selym shame Hertfordshire is so far from me! I hope you find some one local, epic is truly a fantastic scale for 40k. I'm glad you get it, it means I am not alone. I don't mind the money grabs, if I didn't already know that all these books and DLC will be out dated in a few months. If they kept it all relevant, I'd buy up every book they made. But as they make more money from keep making new editions, instead of fixing any problems, it doesn't feel worth it. I really hope the rumours are true that they will bring back all the old games, I will just buy everything up then if they do!

@Chute82 "alligator mouth with bird arms" hahahaha thanks for that. I have never heard that expression before and now I'm crying with laughter! I actually left my job (and in turn moved away from england!) because I was sick of being treated like that. I think the peace and serenity I have found in the country side has made me forget just how horrid people can be. I'd let it be if I knew I was being an ass and causing it myself but I was genuinely being helpful.

@455_PWR thanks, I have a game I can run solo (that I'm using to to make a set of 6mm inquisitor terrain for) I might stick to keeping that to myself and not sharing it online.

@labmouse42 I think it is the internet side of 40k I need a break from. I have taken massive breaks from painting to do other things in the past, but this time after reading all the comments here I think it is the online side that is causing the harm, not the game itself.

@Griddlelol haha yeah thanks. As above, after reading all the comments I really think the net is what I need the break from. Perhaps If stop taking my phone in to my office when painting will stop me getting so worked up about strangers being harsh.



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@Nerak thanks. I love discussing all things hobby related, and though things can get heated, I always know when to not answer, cut out, or call it quits. But when your posting a help reply you dont expect to be greeted with so much abuse after. I expect that when I'm in a thread about 40k going to AoS rules maybe, but not when you post a list of gaming clubs in the area!
I don't hate HH by any means, but the lack of orks, the lack of space skaven and the lack of everything but space marines just doesnt excite me as much as the wider 40k universe does. But Ive been told not several times now that I am wrong, and if I was in to it more I'd wouldn't like AoS/need epic/be part of the gang etc. Nothing wrong with HH or space marines- just not my cup of tea!


@oldzoggy tourble is I have already spent the money on it! I knew I would be out of work for a long time (and be pretty skint because of it) so before we left I 'stocked up' on tons of wargaming stuff- from spare paintbrushes to extra minis! Its not that I don't enjoy it, I just don't feel part of what is a social hobby, and part of the reason of keeping it going was to make me be more social, in what ever way I could manage!

@Huron black heart yeah I thought I quit during that teen-mid 20s period. Turns out everyone just gets a break then to 'experiment' with other things!! Nearly everyone comes back! Perhaps it time to build the star wars kits I have tucked away. They don't require me to share them online, or be social when building them!

 RexHavoc wrote:

Coupled with the last few days of painting failures- looking to push myself I have been trying new things. Made some stuff with water effects but the resin didn't set properly (my fault I guess, I probably didn't mix it well enough) and trying new painting techniques that just haven't worked out (I have tried and tried to paint yellow in style I am happy with and it just doesn't work- I have tried almost every way I have seen online to do it now)

It might not sound like much, but its been enough to push me back to a place where I'm thinking that this hobby might not be for me any more. I still get a lot of satisfaction when things do go right, but its becoming harder to not let the knocks push me down. I'm not very social, and GW is a very social hobby- even though I would like to be more involved socially.

I just feel that I am not getting the most out of the hobby, as I could be, but I have spent the last few months putting in as much effort as I have been able to do. I don't feel I want to put more effort into it if this is how it will continue to be, I do have several other interest I could be focusing my talents into, though I would like to continue, as it is still by far the most relaxing hobby I have.

This is kinda where I would start. You see it as failing; I usually see painting "failures" as a new way to apply paint stripper and start over I mean, it's toy soldiers and their little buildings, this should not impact your happiness in any serious way. I mean it's nice to feel happy about stuff you've done, but there are limits.

Have you asked people on forums about painting yellow, not just looking at guides? Have you tried making a Twitter account? The WFB/AoS/wh40k etc. Twitter community is really helpful and will help you with specific problems, like water effects with epoxy resin and painting yellow.

I'd also suggest trying to complete a squad, 500pts, or a wee list. Just set yourself a goal and do it.

 RexHavoc wrote:

@Desubot yeah I definitely need to get involved with the local group (which would be the 'local' GW) My anxiety puts me off as I don't know how to get involved with it, other than walking in there and being prepared to spend a fair bit of money in one go! (which I tried before and didn't work) I just feel I would be at a disadvantage- I'm too much of a veteran to be a new player (I know half the stuff they would try to tell me on a start game) but too out of the current editions to go there and know what to do to play. I've thought about going in on their painting night, I'm just waiting for my money to come through- at least if I couldn't cope I could buy a couple of bits then.

Why dont you call in and ask for a game letting them know you moved in from wherever that way they know off the bat that you are not a "noob"

just gotta talk man.

 Desubot wrote:

 RexHavoc wrote:

@Desubot yeah I definitely need to get involved with the local group (which would be the 'local' GW) My anxiety puts me off as I don't know how to get involved with it, other than walking in there and being prepared to spend a fair bit of money in one go! (which I tried before and didn't work) I just feel I would be at a disadvantage- I'm too much of a veteran to be a new player (I know half the stuff they would try to tell me on a start game) but too out of the current editions to go there and know what to do to play. I've thought about going in on their painting night, I'm just waiting for my money to come through- at least if I couldn't cope I could buy a couple of bits then.

Why dont you call in and ask for a game letting them know you moved in from wherever that way they know off the bat that you are not a "noob"

just gotta talk man.

I worked in a gw for a bit, and encountered a few anxious hobbyists who really wanted to be a part of the store community, but didn't have the confidence to break in. Chat to the staff, and ask for their help. I'd have a game with them, and introduce them to people who I thought they would get on with, or organise a game for them. As soon as you get your models on the table, conversations will start to flow with the people around you. Keep going, and you will start to feel more familiar with people, and them with you.
That's probably the best advice I can give, and they will be very happy to help settle you in.

I'm still paining the Tau releases from last year. I paint slowly. I'm almost done. On my last three Stealth Suits for the formation and my last three XV8's. Then I finally can paint some of my Tidewall.

I'm not buying anything until it's all done. On top of this I was gifted a Tau Commander in a box.

Just work slow. Ignore idiots if they bother you. I can't stress this enough. If you see stuff that is making you mad just ignore it because there is always going to be flamewars and trolls no matter where you go or what you do someone is going to dislike something you like. I told my friend if he paints one IG model a year he'll still have one kickass army in a few decades. He does a few a year which all look well done. I'm the "faster" painter lol.

So who cares? If there's nothing anyone on Earth can do do to have absolute approval than just ignore them and talk to the few you do get along with,

Try x wing, it has a huge following (surpassed 40k last year apparently according to bols) and the initial cost is very minimal.

For smaller scale maybe flames of war? I'm about to get into it myself as a) I like ww2 and b) it has a huge following.

Currently GW is in a really promising time, all these new games plus actual discounts which is something we haven't seen in a decade. But it's still erratic, imbalanced and expensive.

 Gamgee wrote:
I'm still paining the Tau releases from last year. I paint slowly. I'm almost done. On my last three Stealth Suits for the formation and my last three XV8's. Then I finally can paint some of my Tidewall.

I'm not buying anything until it's all done. On top of this I was gifted a Tau Commander in a box.

Just work slow. Ignore idiots if they bother you. I can't stress this enough. If you see stuff that is making you mad just ignore it because there is always going to be flamewars and trolls no matter where you go or what you do someone is going to dislike something you like. I told my friend if he paints one IG model a year he'll still have one kickass army in a few decades. He does a few a year which all look well done. I'm the "faster" painter lol.

So who cares? If there's nothing anyone on Earth can do do to have absolute approval than just ignore them and talk to the few you do get along with,

So much of this applies to me. I'm actually getting rid of a lot of my stuff as I get no enjoyment from it. My goal was to have 3k painted of two armies by the year, but that's probably not going to happen, what with my exams, dissertation and other important distractions in my way.

I wouldn't necessarily quit, just pack it all up and take a break, filling the time with something else. That way, you won't have to start from scratch if your interest piques up again, or some money if you truly feel like quitting. I've certainly stopped doing a lot of 40k stuff, I'm moving primarily onto Infinity.

I read in your initial post that you clearly care and get a lot out of the hobby. Don't let others take that from you. Don't give up something of your own due to the inadequacies of others.

There are many games to be had, now more than ever.
Your hobby may need the occasional person to game with so you need to get out there.
See what people are playing, see if you can inquire at the local hobby shop if anyone would play games you have.
I am unsure the challenges you face but some planning may be required.
If you do not like crowds, Magic The Gathering night might be a bad time to meet.
Fun in hobbies keep me happy, "angry" music makes me feel calm, painting for me is both bliss and frustration all rolled together, model assembly with modification is my favorite.
See if you can combine your joys.
I have a favorite gourmet coffee shop nearby and treat myself to a nice mug on the way to a game.
I try to get one more model done to bring to the next game... name him, tell your opponent you expect him to die due to being newly painted... it gets funny after that.
Life is funny and quirky, you will find it if you look.
My opponents are freaks and they point out how equally insane I am... they become friends.