I definitely gauge my hunting progression by what I can kill. Its nice to take on a mob that you thought was beyond your ability and then realize that it wasn't so bad at all.
- Winter '06: Wow, I can solo a Longu?!?
- Spring '07: I can hold my own in a Pyrate Hoggstomp!
- Spring '07: I can actually manage to hunt at CP in a team?!?
- Summer '07: Solo CP Dome 1...with some difficulty but still!
- Winter '07: Thought Cornonterions were semi-uber mobs, didn't realize I could take em till one Aggroed and it was a piece of cake. I felt ubah that day
All these mini-accomplishments mean more to me than just hitting different levels in my profession.
Unlocks are big too. I just unlocked CGA this week
Only my 3rd unlock in 2 years. I try not to dwell on those too much cuz it makes me feel noobish.