The way I see it...when you go through life you're always going to get comments from both sides of an issue. You've gotten a lot of very sincere compliments on those snakes (and your taste in snakes in general) from some good people who know what they are talking about.
And you've gotten a few "meh" comments from folks who probably don't know an axanthic ball python from a boa constrictor.
Where you CHOOSE to focus your attentions will determine how pleasant your life can be. Focus on the positives and you CAN build that self confidence. Focus on the negatives and stay mired in self-doubt. It's up to you. I think you might be surprised at how quickly that self confidence can grow if you really do choose to focus on the right things.