Basically I'm a kits and bits brewer. Started again this year after an 18 year hiatus. Back then I was strictly K&K, though I did have a primitive British keg system. Warm beer, no refrigeration, on tap, student digs, heaven!
Then I started over again. Straight K&Ks were fizzy, wet, alcoholic and better than water. And like Deebee said somewhere else, "they got cold when you put them in the fridge".
Then I discovered Grumpys and the internet. Not sure which was first. But, Grumpy's master and extrabrews improved my humble efforts out of sight. As did simple changes like racking, secondary conditioning and bulk priming. Phorums like this are invaluable too.
Now I use kits and bits packs from Grumpys and Jovial Monk (I am that rare breed, an ecumenical Adelaide brewer). I get kits and bugger them about with serial hop additions and steeped speciality grains.
When I started again, friends and family would politely accept a glass of homebrew to begin with. Then, they would ask if I still had any Coopers in the fridge. Now the same friends and family ask what I've brewed recently, and take that even when I do offer them a Coopers.
Of the last six brews I've done I reckon my favourite was one I did to clear out the store cupboard. Coopers real ale kit, almost past use by date, brewiser brew improver (50%dme), 2 coopers kit rehydrated yeasts, 14g EKG boiled for 10 mins and added to primary, 14g cascade steeped and added to secondary. Kit, and what ever bits I had to hand. Bootiful!
In the new year I'll try all extract recipes and maybe partial mash. I'ts a long life, no need to rush.
It's a sign that we are so emotional when it comes to a hobby. A sign that it means something to us! Brewing is by far the most satisfying hobby I've ever had and the output of the hobby is something enjoy having in the house... unlike computers pieces and car parts and the detritus of all my other passtimes... and when I produce a beer that I'm proud to pass around with my mates all the kit beers I've ever made are forgiven 
