Wow, my post is being held up as an example to others. Thanks Jim.
Denn, I think the problem is that people see you blaming VEM for every shot that doesn't go where you aim it. This may well not be the way you're thinking but I think some of us see you looking for a scapegoat and you've chosen the obvious but, in this case, wrong one.
I honestly believe the problem lies in your clubs, with only 0.5 for precision they're never going to play the same shot twice in a row. The Nike irons I have have 4.5 dots of precision, that's 9 times the ones you use. And they still don't land the ball exactly where I aim every shot, nor should they in my opinion. Have a look for a set of irons with 3 or more precision and you'll see a big difference.
Your clubs also have very low spin, meaning you aren't able to stop the ball quickly on the green. This is probably leaving you more long putts which is making your scoring worse.
There's a set of G10 irons at level 35, not the best clubs around but they'd improve your scoring no end.
As to getting better at the game, it's all down to practice and a few tips that get passed along. One of these is play every course, even the ones you struggle on. This will improve your course management skills which will help your scores on any course.
One frequently given and very good piece of advice is to lose the hybrid and get 3 wedges instead. You currently use the starter wedges, these are pretty poor compared to what else is around. You don't need to break the bank, there are Ping wedges for 200 a go that will make a huge difference to your short game. Learn and use punch shots with them too, it's like having another 3 wedges in your bag. My favourite and most reliable shot is the punch with my 64 wedge, between 10 and around 41 yards I can almost guarantee a short putt with it.
Get to know the other shot types as well for around the green. I use pitch a lot under 10 yards, flop very rarely and chip almost never. When you feel confident around the green you'll enjoy the game much more.
Sorry for the massive post, there's a hell of a lot to try to pass on. Far too much for one post but have a browse through the game tips in the forums, there's a huge amount of help there.
And as it happens I do indeed believe VEM exists and is used. I just think it's something that happens based on your standard of play and is automatically turned up or down accordingly. I don't think anyone sits in an office watching the games being played and switches it on or off at will.