Great work Nick! You should keep all this documented in a diary so you can remember the positive past and anticipate a positive future as suggested in the workshop.
I am pleased you have such an understanding buddy to not only talk too but to go out with to practice.
Maybe you could show him some of the workshop paperwork so he knows what to say to you when you have a misfire so that you don't get down or dissuaded from getting better.
Well done to you!
Karl