After re-reading what I sent you yesterday I felt kinda bad, I think the way you have practiced learning CSS is great... Despite my comments on fast results and etc... you are right, one can quickly produce sites but at the end it's the knowledge of CSS that makes it function well. Also it helps in troubleshooting and knowing what CSS can or cannot do when meeting with clients.
I admit CSS is still all new to me as well, but Dreamweaver has been a helpful tool. I would like to pick your brain more about this if possible. Please add me as a buddy.