I would like to add some tips to your beautiful post.

First of all there are many people starting their IT carrer that want to have all certs, and wasting lots of money and they really don't need them. What I say (this is a subjective suggestion only) is that for example if you are new to this (let's say 18 yrs old) start studying for the A+ exam but don't do it!. Just buy, download, get a library loan or whichever books about this subject but don't make the exam. If you really need it, if you are thinking in a job and the employer want the A+ as a requisites then do it.

Why I say this? A lot of problems that new guys (like me) have is that they don't know what to study, where to begin, etc. Well a good way (I am only talking about security stuff, but there are other things you should know, like programming) to do your "study line" is studying for certs and not doing them but study as hard as possible because you only do it (at leas I do it) for your knowledge thirst. Then if you need the certs do the test.

Well, that's all....see ya.