For real. If you're not a likable person, then no one is going to like you. Know your limits. If you're good enough to go on a 2-3 way with other low time jumpers, then just do that. If you want to be better than that, frankly you need to get yourself in a tunnel, and spend that sweet sweet cash. I'd bet that most of the newer jumpers that you see flying on organized loads are people who you do not really know, and who also fly 10-20 minutes in a tunnel weekly. That's how you advance in this sport now, if "advancing" is something you're interested in doing. If you just want to be in the sky and have a good time, then do it. Also, ffs, don't let there be another moment in your life when you're complaining about a nice rack to look at. Let her motives be her own, and you just do you buddy.