First off... Dude(ponyone)I admire that you didnt let people and circumstances take you away from your passion.Ive had girlfriends rip the guitar right out of my hands(breaking a string once!:)Keep rockin Dude! \m/

As for the original post... Everyone "plateaus" and hits a point where there seems to be no area for improvment.I still cant play the first big run within the solo of "domination"(pantera)very well,even though my fingers are some what capable.But,instead of trying to perfect it to "dime's" style,I play it the way i percieve it(and it comes out killer).Dont concern yourself with trying to perfect somone elses solo... although hard.Its hardly satisfying IMHO.I find satisfaction in taking a song and throwing it over the top with MY style.So learn the essential tools(bends,h'ons,p'offs(lol),alternate/hybrid picking,scales e.c.t),and kick that songs a*s... with your style and perception of what it is.
Later!!!