Lost cause in April? Man, get on your bike. You'll be flying by July if you work hard.
I started mid April several years back and won my first race in July. I showed up at the club rides in april of that year and was getting dropped. By June I was riding at the front with the strongest guys. I just think you are wrong about this year being a lost cause. Pick some races to target in the 2nd half of the year. I'm sure there are some good races on your regional calender for July, Aug, Sept. and Oct.