@John_B, perhaps you did not mean it thus but the way you have worded this sentence makes it seem pejorative. I hope I am misreading between the lines (even though there is just one line.) For my part, I've no problem with the "eternal newbie." Their interest in tea may be a casual one but that's ok - not everyone will be hard-core nerds like us. And I am sure you also have casual interests in some things that others take very seriously; I know I do.
On another note, Harney and Sons are honest merchants. No, their stuff isn't the best of class, perhaps, but it always is what it claims to be. That's much more than can be said for some claiming to trade in top end teas.