'Skin in the game' is better than a drug. (In a sense, it is a drug.) The difference is that there are benefits, win or lose, that one can count on if they choose to investigate and learn. Sure, we make mistakes, but when those mistakes are archived into the 'low-equity' move section it opens up a clearer vision of the 'high-equity' decisions. Similar to playing chess or Texas Hold'em. (Especially Hold'em, because the game is a multi-layer game of investment and truly winning is not about a single hand, it is about using mathematics to 'win-over-time.')
I agree with you that breaking into the markets opens up a whole world where 'knowing your trade' and its ins-and-outs becomes critically important. I am learning more about it every day. Lately it has led me to the desire of learning stocks. We can draw certain correlations about things that can affect the price of any currency, but stocks could be a bit easier to figure (with or without understanding a great deal of technical analysis.)
For instance, if I was in stocks when the world lockdown occurred, I might have been watching the price of Crude Oil in lieu of travel restrictions. Could have made a lot of money there, that's for sure.
Anyway, this was a really good post. You are far beyond me in understanding the financial aspects, but I believe I am on a similar path to yours (just at a much earlier point.)
Cheers!