Actually, there's no need to break down my comment(s). You are now doing what is called backpedaling. Trying to defend something which is not on the up & up.
First of all Drew, you are supposed to be a sign shop, sign person, a sign student or somehow related to the sign industry just to be here. Evidently, you lied about your credentials to be here. That's a simple answer. Hope you recognize it as such and not a put-down.
Second, you didn't say it, but you said you thought you could do it cheaper, thus cutting out the sign shop. The sign shop who might just be a member here, so whether he/she is or isn't a member are still shoulder to shoulder with this membership.......
not you. Also, we already know you could not do it better, just by your remarks and comments.
Third, your attitude is simple, also. You have this idea you can screw over a sign shop and ask the very people you are screwing for information of how to continue to screw them, even further. Trying to come in the back door disguised as some sort of sign position is not at all kosher...... at least not in my book.
We are sign makers and while we might disagree on methods, technology, politics or religion, we still stand up for each other. YOU are an end-user and if you'd like to become a sign person, invest something besides lip and stupid a$$ deductions. So, in short, the answer is YES, your method of obtaining your results is wrong. Take whatever information you have so far and run with it, cause it doesn't appear you're gonna get much more, if you're even allowed to participate much longer.