I thought I was doing myself a favour

[BlackMason]

Then doing the same thing as your peers is probably not the best way to accomplish that. If you're all going for similar degrees in similar fields you will all likely share a similar level of success. You're going to have to break the mold buddy (I imagine critical thinking will help immensely in this regard).

Screwdrivers are built to turn screws, but they also make great pry-bars, or even self-defense weapons.

Simply because they cast the lessons in the context of argumentation doesn't mean that that is the only way you can or should use them.

Yeah, I feel you guys. I guess sometimes I get too focused on the narrow perspective. Good thing I wrote here because I was beginning to get a bit too frustrated and I may have given up. Good looking out.