Is there any hope for me at all?

I suggest you get 3 or 4 PCs and conduct a series of careful listening session. Each PC must be properly broken-in, at least 100 hours per PC. Make sure each PC under test is not moved or in anyway physically disturbed for at least 72 hours prior to serious listening evaluation. Also remember to keep room temp and humidity conditions consistent. Although some may consider it "over the top", I recommend staying consistent with your eating habits and bowel movements during the evaluation period. As far as music goes, choose only 3 or 4 pieces and it's actually better to listen to music you don't enjoy. It eliminates any emotional attachments that might interfer with your audiophile dissection of the sound elements. Take careful written notes. 3 or 4 months from now be sure to report back to Audiogon with your findings.