This isn't an OS - it's closer to a DOS shell, like Central Point's PC Tools.
The projects you describe here are obviously works of love that show great technical talent. Too bad you didn't have access to better learning resources at an earlier point in time, but learning is thankfully a multi-decade project. (I also hope your P.O.S. stepfather got what was coming to him in the end).
Clarification of facts is not naysaying.
I think what they did was impressive and interesting.
Technically, the naysayers haven't bothered me too much, but a lot of people seem irked (and rightfully) that it was initially mistermed as an Operating System when in fact a simple shell of sorts. I have amended the imgur description since however.
As for what I'm doing at the moment, I'm a Lead Quality Assurance Analyst for a video games company. I love what I do, but as for pay, it's less than half the minimum wage. Goes to show that I REALLY love what I do I suppose, but I would really like to do something more technical someday. Perhaps special effects or something of the like.
I'd say the works were definitely a very important part of my life, although they were not necessarily a technical triumph by any means. I still claim that they're nothing more than a series of cheap hackery and tricks, but hey, even a Magicians work will entertain and amaze, even if it's not "really" happening you know?
My stepfather is still out there, but both time and emphysema will catch him in the end, so I try not to concern myself too much with it. Nature and tobacco will do its work.