Welcome welcome welcome!
I want to say "never stay in the back and hide".
I also felt a bit like you do. Back in about 1971
I started building muzzleloaders when I was 15 years old and my first Mauser when I was 12. I felt that men like Bivins, Haugh, Sanchez, House, Silver and Manderino were gifts from God, and were probably unapproachable.
I could not have been more wrong.
They are (and were) gifts to us all, I was correct about that.
But all of them were and are outgoing, friendly, helpful and simply love to teach and help others. Some of these old masters have now passed on, and are sorely missed. Not just because their building has stopped, but because of what kind of men they were. True hearted and friendly to all.
Come out from the background. Ask, Seek. The very best builders of today are also generally those that gladly share.
There are a few who hold their cards close to their chest, but very few. Lets keep in mind that we are engaged in an art that became obsolete over 200 years ago.
Anyone that thinks they have special knowledge that they are going to keep for themselves is not thinking it through very well.
I believe I can speak to this subject. Our art is rare and declining in comparison to the raising popularity of the modern rifles of today. If we don't teach and offer our knowledge to others it will someday all be gone. Lets share!
To keep our little section of history alive and well, it is important to share our skills and knowledge.
I'd bet 95% of the best builder today feel the same way.
What about the other 5%?
Well if they don't want to teach you anything don't bother to ask them.
You have 95 others that will share.