Still need more testimonies for reference? Let me share one.
Q : Anyway, how long have you been studying for and how are you studying? (like taking classes, online, through a friend, by yourself, etc.)
A : I've been studying by myself for almost 5 years, started around early 2011 but had a hiatus in 2013. Studying alone is the only option I have since the beginning of my study as no one was willing to teach even by now. Thank goodness for the internets and the massive amount of e-books circulating in it; Tae Kim's, Nihongo Sou Matome, Shin Kanzen Master are amongst the all e-books I have that I'd recommend highly.
Q : Have you/are you doing any translations? If so, how accurate was your translation?
Q : If someone were to bring you to Japan for, lets say a week or two, would you be able to get around?
A : Never did any translations and never have been to Japan, but if you're asking my self evaluation, then I say that I'm confident that my skill is around intermediate. I took 2 mock tests from a Japanese lecturer and she claimed that I could pass JLPT N3 with ease. Also I've had conversations with Japanese tourists few times and we understand each other without problems.
Q : If you're not actively studying at the moment, how do you make sure your Japanese skills don't decay?
A : Reading Japanese news online in or watching raw anime. If my ears are failing me (which happens easily while watching fantasy and sci-fi anime), then I'd resort to switch on Japanese subtitles first, and switch to English subtitles intermittently as a last resort.
On a side note, I'd love to help this community with translations but i'm nowhere near confident in my Japanese at the moment. I really hope I can help with translations in the future.
We hope you do, too. Better late than never. Im@s 1 hasn't been completely translated after nearly 10 years since its release, so there's one thing to do.