Prince pilot,
I hope that you received the wisdom that you sought, before this tread drifted so far off topic! I suppose that I can't argue against many of the facts and precisions presented here, but I sure think that many are out of place. The stream of unkindnesses aren't all that helpful either!
Speaking as a 30+ year private pilot, with 5000+ hours PIC on 49 types, I do not think myself at a lesser skill standing to a commercial pilot of commensurate experience, other than I do not collect payment for any flying I do, or otherwise excercise commercial pilot privilages. Speaking as a 20 year Cessna 150 owner, they are no less a worthy aircraft than any other. They continue to do well what they were designed for, and are very useful in many other roles as well! (and yes, I have carried my wife and two kids in mine). Anyone who is going to generalize a private pilot C150 "commander" as any less a pilot than any other, could perhaps rethink their position.
Sorry for further drifting this thread, but we have to keep things realistic here!
As for your original concerns, a local personality is known for saying: "Luck favours the prepared". That's the way I try to fly, prepared. I've had a lot of luck!
Don't let the sticklers here damp your views of our industry!
Pilot DAR