You won't gain respect by worrying about what others think of you. They will judge you by your actions. At most clubs, even the MOST experienced pilots will catch flack for doing inverted on the deck flybys, especially with known issues with the equipment. Slow down and fly at your experience level and you will get much more respect. Its much cheaper too.
You sound like you have a great radio and a running engine. What else do you need? You can build an airframe out of just about anything. Spad, bluefoam, foamcore - there are lots of internet guides to airframes under $25.
If you really love flying, you'll base your decisions on what keeps you in the air. Not what certain club members think of you. Funny thing is - if you keep flying, the social part works itself out.