RE: Finishing what I started
I've recently started giving thought to going for a MIS or something similar myself. I've been feeling some of the lacks you mention over the last six months or so as well, and since EA moved the studio where I'd been working to California, I've been seeing that, for the first time since I've been in the job market, a degree would actually be helpful in nailing down a new job.
Anyway, I wish you the best of success as you launch into this new phase of your life!
Sean




