Sound advice all around.

It was especially good to see that you are branching out of your comfort zone by playing with others.

Never be embarrassed if some one is better. Just PLAY!!!

Personal preference will always determine what "style" you play. Sweep picking ( arrpegios ) are good to learn.

Try using a finger pick on your thumb if you still want to keep to your tradional method of playing but experiment on something different -- you will be amazed at the different ideas that will come to you.

The arrpegios are good to know and can be incorporated in more of a warm up setting since it will help you focus more on finger placement ( one note per string) and string recoginition (basically can you hit that string every time with out looking and with confidence). Also play/practice them at different speeds and stick with the 3 string variety yo begin with.