Hey there's nothing wrong
Hey there's nothing wrong with using the kits or mixes. Plenty of people will find THE ONE that they like and make that all the time. It's beer! As long as you like it, that's all that matters. I like making different stuff and there are only a few beers that I have made more than once. I really like experimenting with the different ingredients and trying to create something that's wacky or completely new. But, everyone is different. One of my military buddies only makes Chilli (the pepper) Beer....he loves it and makes it 15 gallons at a time. I hate it, but won't tell him that. I muck it down, smile and ask for more....sometimes you have to bite the bullet for your bros.
Mead is an amazing creature. I've made a few batches of that stuff and it's fantastic! Try to find a local beekeeper/honey dude in your local area and that will add a certain amount of personal ownership to it. Also, I gave some mead to friends who discovered if they heated it up, it made a fantastic cold night drink. Sort of like the Gluewein in Germany. Oh, and it's the "honeymoon" drink for a reason. Some of my friends call it the Golden Panty Dropper...their term, not mine....Just writing about this makes me want to make some more.
I've also experimented with some ciders but they're not my favorites to make or drink. Most of the women in my life seem to like them though so....I make it on occasion.