is there a forum that allows experienced pilots to pass on their hard won experience to casualties of this system?
Yes! You're here!
There is an incredible wealth of wisdom and experience here. We have such a great cross section of pilots here, with so much to offer. It's just a matter of asking. You'll find a pretty fair balance of responses - the wise members here want to share their knowledge.
The key is that the askers need to consider the value of the information that they receive as an answer, as much as the source. I have known many [mere] PPL's, who with their lifetime of serious recreational flying, particularly on odd types were a wealth of wisdom. And, if in doubt, PM a poster. I have never been disappointed with a PM discussion, when I wanted to keep things out of the forefront.
I have learned (sometimes the embarrassing way), that a license, or letters after your name, are not the end of your education!