@William, I created my own assignments which was no more really than trying to rewrite each topic in the browser and hack about chaning names, values, etc.
Like you I learned javascript by hitting my head against a desk and making things work (eventually). Last time I seriously looked at Javascript was almost 20 years ago and that was just through trial and error and a few books.
I agree, learning this stuff in a more structured way is really useful.
Keep up the great work everyone.