This thread is still going - wow! Have you done any more caving since that trip to Airman's?
I can understand your response to Barbara's post. Just don't go thinking that NSS members and/or other mainstream cavers only explore "easier" caves. Not true! Beginner trips are usually not too challenging because they are for... beginners. These trips are also a good opportunity for experienced cavers to help/guide/observe newer cavers - which I think was Barbara's point.
If caving really interests you, check out www.caves.org and search for local chapters (grottos) near you. Give them a chance, and the feeling should reciprocate. Get connected with other cavers, keep an open mind, learn new tricks, but still be yourself. Cave softly, and cave safely.