Just for reference, i've been to about 20 or so HPDE's with my VW R32, and been to Gingerman about 10 times.
So I'm not sure if that qualifies me as amateur, but at least not lost on the track.
As for braking, i will say that I am hard on my brakes as track driving goes. I had to buy a Stoptech BBK for the VW.
And I'm not sure about the time I clocked on the track but it was a tick faster than the other times posted in the 370z
370Z Top Ten Track Records - Road Courses thread.
I'm not sure if that means my line is good or my braking is bad... your conclusions are welcome!