I too jokingly consider myself a "hack" with regard to programming, as I lack the formal education in software development (that I desire). I know that with the amount of information, samples, forums, and members (like yourself and others) I can overcome most obstacles.
However, I'm personally in a position of expanding my knowledge base faster than I can truly master the information coming in... I've not even come close to mastering AutoLISP & DXF codes, and then I was off to the races with ActiveX because it seemed (it is) more powerful, and is easier to read. Plus I like the object oriented correlation to .NET development.
Now I'm diving into Visual Studio (VB.NET) along with Civil 3D (again, after not mastering ActiveX), and it's another 'world' of information yet undiscovered (by me).
Being self-taught, and having great mentors in forum members has served me well... but I'm always seeking to see development through a different prism, as I feel that I've only scratched the [development] surface.
Edit: I also think there's a degree of humility, and self-deprecating humor at work, when referring to one's self as a 'hack', as compared to 'those guys'.