I AM, actually, playing my handicap. I haven't - at least for the last 2 years - at any point had a score (in match OR practice) that would result in my handicap being adjusted back.

Sadly - I haven't improved much in the same period of time. Still struggling with far too many missed fairways, and it seems, that no matter if you slice your drive into the lake 100 yards out or 220 yards out, the penalty (rules-wise as well as effectively) is the same.