There comes to a point where there is a difference between elitism and expectations, but generally I can tell you that if you are willing to put the work in few GM’s will have issue with you trying. So while I don’t know the context of the people whom you have dealt with, I can say from what I do know that the ideology of which you are talking about is absolutely asinine and patronizing— which to me is absolute unacceptable. I’ve been writing for a long time and roleplaying within the message board “play-by-post” medium for over fifteen years but when I speak of that I never in my life use it as a framework to assert dominance or classist agenda; it’s absolutely inappropriate and unfair for people to draw lines in the sand and condescend others just because they are an “adult” or “veteran”.

You already have great points of reference by McHaggis, Undine, Shoryu, Lady Amalthea, and others— so while I don’t know what more my own addition to the dialogue can contribute I feel like it is important from a community perspective to let you know that you are doing nothing wrong and you should not be condescended for your efforts. The message board I was introduced to role-playing on had no class system, no literacy standards, no application process; it was essentially everything that the “Free” section on RPG stands for but with no toxicity latent amongst writers. So when I see lines drawn in the sand where people are scoffing and telling people to go play at the equivalent of the “kid’s table” I get understandably upset. Those people who are scoffing at you are wrong; don’t let their negatively drag you down and creatively drain you of what makes you want to write with others.

You should approach a RP you feel interested by and see if the GM appreciates your efforts; don’t let classists define how you look at enjoyable prospective projects. Ever.