Yes, I don't think anyone was trying to discourage you, just warn of some of the pitfalls. I only suggested slabbing because it's quick & easy, but if you get someone with a Lucas or Lewis they can turn it into very respectable boards quick-smart.
Like so many things, you will get away with a lot even if you can't follow all the "do's & dont's". I've dried quite a bit of S.G & ironbark & bluegum outside with just a sheet or two of roofing iron over the stack. I don't bother tying stuff down, I figure you may prevent some twisting or warping during initial drying, but it can get even with you by doing silly things when you start sawing up your wood. My lazy-man's take is to let it do all the wriggling round it wants to do straight off. It doesn't always work out that way,of course but often enough it does & when you saw your own wood that you get for free you can afford to be a bit cavalier about it... :U
If you stack your wood outside, try to have lots of overhang on the 'weather' side to prevent or at least limit the amount of rain that can reach it.
Probably the worst that can happen is you'll get a bit more degrade than doing everything 'by the book', but you should still end up with plenty of usable wood...
:)
Cheers,