You're not alone, I've had the same thoughts, feelings and perceived experiences. I've found a niche of sorts but it can still be intimidating. I don't mind being new, nor do I mind writing bad code and having it criticized (I welcome it, in fact...how else to get better?) but I've found at times it's easier to just back off than risk comments I don't know how to interpret. +1 to needing a thick skin...I'm not quite there yet.