I'm 10 years now into AP, and I can tell you, my images are still carp, but I don't care - it's the joy of getting out under the stars and doing it. I have a maximum of 8 hrs on a target, and always think I'll get more, but never do
Just the fact I have imaged it is usually enough.
If you make this hobby for YOU, and forget the opinions, derision or criticism of others, you'll enjoy it a heck of a lot more. I don't even pretend to believe my images are good, and I still chuck them in the Deep Space forum just for giggles