Yeah, ignore them. Those friends of a friend comments come from all non-riders. They're drama queens. A big one is target fixation. When you are coming up on something and you get scared, don't EVER stare at it! Be tough minded and tell yourself to look away from it further through the turn to where you want your bike to go and you will. If you target fixate, which lots of newbs tend to do, you will hit what you're looking at because you let fear control your mind. After while riding isn't such a chore and it'll be just fun for you. Like it has been said before...SEAT TIME and EXPERIENCING the road. When I first started riding I was scared shitless at times. I took MSF before I even left my neighborhood, and after that I ventured EVERYWHERE! Even around busy malls and highways. Comfort came better after each time I did those things. For being on an incline....remember you can give your bike as much gas as you want and it won't go anywhere until you release your clutch. Knowing that, don't be afraid to give it gas so it won't stall, but slowly release the clutch until your bike isn't rolling back and then add a little more release, while your still holding the gas open as much as needed, then slowly engage while your bike is now moving UP the hill. It'll come for you man. Just don't let your mind prevent you from learning sufficiently. If you can't win the mental game it's going to be hard to win at all. Goodluck, have fun, and be safe. You're welcome to ride with me sometime up here near Dayton and I will take you to some country roads and parking lots and teach you some things if you'd ever like. Just hit me up sometime if you'd want to. I have done MSF, read twist of wrist II, and have been on a track, and been riding for 8-9 seasons on street and all sportbikes if you're curious about my history.