Definitely don't throw in the towel. Just take a deep breath and charge back into the fray. One reason it is harder for you than us in Oklahoma is that we haven't heard as many stations as you. Myself, I'm hoping to make it to 500 by the end of the year. But it's becoming tougher.
Best of luck.
Richard Allen 36°22'51"N / 97°56'35"W (near Perry OK)