wow i feel like you and i could have a great discussion on this two communities. i love how you shared how you felt after leaving the events. i think this type of "policing of enoughness" is huge, especially in alternative communities.
When it comes to plants and nature, there's more to know than any one person can learn in an entire lifetime. So everybody's learning all the time.
this is huge ^^^ and i think really the core of the topic. another steemian shared above that whatever "level" you're at, you can always share and teach those who know less than you. i think that pressure to "be an herbalist" or "be enough" to fit in in the herbal community (which can often feel a sort of eliteness or high standards) takes away from this very basic element of being connected to the earth/plants and sharing where you're at. your violin comment (LOL!) really plays ;) a chord... in that most of us have to learn to have that level of confidence. definitely a life-long thing for me as i don't initially strike out with a lot of confidence as a teacher.... anyway, really enjoyed your comment and, as i mentioned, it'd be fun to hash this out more with you!! take care. :)