Just a bit of OCD but I assume or hope that setting this exercise as beginner was an error? Because no beginner would be able to do something like this..
Ah, you're to harsh :). I'm a beginner and I will go now and kill this excersize :P
I think by struggling through it you learn a lot even though the result isn't quite as good or complex as the one presented. I thought the same as you, that there must be some lessons missing, but I'll go ahead and see what I can manage :P Failing is the best way of learning, though not so pleasant as succeeding ;)