While I certainly respect this choice, sometimes the need to feed live is in the best interests of the animal. I prefer to feed frozen/thawed myself. However, I also know that not all animals will eat frozen/thawed consistently (or at all). If the decision is to feed live or have an animal that doesn't eat (or force feed), I'm feeding live every time. If you cannot make this same decision, then maybe this animal isn't the right animal for you.
Now, having said all of that, I absolutely wish you the best of luck! Remember, the snakes know what they need best - everyone else will just give you their opinions (based on varying levels of experience).