Pete, I think you describe the progression from tenderfoot novice to competency quite well. I would offer that by the time one has acquired a bit of experience, the survival class is probably unnecessary. To improve, focus on specific skills - navigation and map reading, fire building (especially in adverse conditions), first aid, and seek out objective accounts and critiques of others survival experiences - not the general garbage found on the boob tube!

To do so in a really productive fashion, volunteer for your local wilderness SAR unit. No handy wilderness nearby? Pity, but you can always move.