Shane,
congrats on the first flights. I'm sure you'll enjoy this hobby alot.

It sounds like you have alot of good experiences that helped you solo (full scale, flight sims, working with engines, etc.) All that stuff makes flying that much easier. Now that you got the solo out of the way, test out your discipline by teaching yourself different maneuvers and aerobatics one at a time until you master them. Master one and then move on to the next.

Don't worry about what some people may say about teaching yourself to fly. They are just trying to relate the tried, trusted and true way to learn RC flying. It's not the only way to learn to fly, but for most folks, it's the easiest. As long as your having fun and not putting anyone in danger - Go for it!

Good luck...

Bill