I'll admit I felt the same way, I did make an attempt to be more proactive than I would have normally been in answering questions. And I have done so in a few threads.
Since I joined the pilot, I started compiling a very small list of bookmarks (should have had this already :P) so that I may have thread links ready when wanting to help out a newbie, instead of having to search for them each time before replying. (don't ask me for the list it's very small, just adding bookmarks as I visit threads and deem them important basically.)

Because of my signature I assume, I was approached by an Italian newcomer with a PM. He was interested in the N900 and asked some specific questions, specifically about battery life. I explained everything I knew in detail, and he was very appreciative. I told him it wasnt first hand experience, but I plan to follow up with him as soon as my N900 arrives to let him know my findings in regards to battery life.

I do have a fulltime job and a life, so I can't commit too much time to this, but I enjoy doing it when I have the chance.

Just my two cents