I have been playing the game since the game first came out. I've been playing competitively since the first STS Qualifiers became available up until about last year. I still play for fun a little bit at League. I got into the game because I loved to meet new people, travel, and I was very competitive. I tried so very hard to do as well as the best players in the local area and upwards over time.
I loved playing the game when the game belonged to a simpler time, especially when strategy reigned supreme. Now everyone's always stressing out either about the next set, why or why not prizes/invites are a certain way, crying over format changes, etc. I actually liked being surprised by what the future set held as I opened the packs. I've played and won enough titles and events that I really do not need to compete much anymore, I should be playing in a couple Cities, probably one or two States, and Regionals. After that, I might be at Nationals and Worlds, but after that I will be done for good.
You know you bring up a great point about why you started/began. However, there also comes a time when you have to know when your time is up. I'm not happy about having to stop playing competitively, but due to health reasons, it is something that has to be done.
My advice to new players is to not be discouraged initially, but stick with it, you'll learn the ropes in no time. Also, try to not too caught up in the stress of the tournament environment, and finally, remain creative. You'll find the game to be much more fun when you win and win big with your own decks instead of worrying about metagaming and copying from your friends or the Internet.
Good luck,
~Jim