Cattitude, doing a mystery project can be daunting. But yes, our skills can improve and we are paying attention since we don't know the outcome. For those of us who have been solo quilters, it can be quite fun to do a sew along.
I love your inspiration fabric. I'd say go ahead and switch out the aqua to pink if it makes you happier. Worst thing is that you don't really like the outcome, but hey -- you don't know what the outcome is supposed to be so it's not your fault. Sometimes the fabric selections of the participants show secondary designs that didn't come out in the designed version.
I know one of the things I've learned from mysteries and exchanges is that I don't have to be so control freaky (I still am but I don't have to be...). It's a good thing to learn.