C69,
Very interesting PIREP. Glad to see you came through all the difficulties.
Some good decisions made on which I think you should congratulate yourself.
There will be other pressures from time to time, now that you have to take responsibility yourself for your continuing development as a pilot, but few (unless you go for further ratings) of the 'critical gaze over the shoulder' type where you feel that your mental processes are under immediate and censorious review!
Well done, and thanks for the report.