That's a bit extreme. I have no idea what lighttpd is, I'm decent with Apache but I have alot to learn. I'm a half-assed programmer, so script writing requires another coder. I can write a legal letter however I own my own company, make a nice living, and manage almost 200 web sites. It's about your ability and willingness to work hard and constantly educate yourself. I learn what I need to, hire outside when I need to, and put in 16 hours per day, every day. Knowledge is important if you plan to take your operation somewhere, but in the begininng, all you need is some guts and determination in my opinion and experience.
I always use new image hosting services. I never use imageshack because it too marketed, and really really slow.