General Confusion

You haven't played any rated games. It seems to me to be hard to judge your progress without it.

Well it sort of depends if you are using the website or an app but basically you just click play and choose a time control.
#1
"just trying to avoid getting captured and mated"
++ That is the essence. If you make no mistake then you cannot lose.
"I have no overall sense of continuity or perspective or why the hell should I do this or that."
++ Read "My System" Nimzovich
"Been playing for 6-8 hours each week for a year."
++ Whenever you lose a game, analyse it to learn from your mistakes.
"Should I just go play checkers?"
++ Checkers is solved: a proven draw with best play from both sides.

Suggesting "My system" to a complete beginner is just weird.
I would suggest chess.com lessons, starting here: https://www.chess.com/lessons/skill-level/beginner