I keep removing them from my violins, violas and cellos. Then I put them back, then I remove them.

I am able to keep them off for a longer period of time now. Actually, for the most part, I keep one for the first finger to let me know the starting point. I am trying to get used to the feel of first finger first position.

There are pros and cons by people, but actually, it is an individual preference. I don’t want to train my ears to the wrong sound. I can tell when I am off now, but the tape strips got me there. You do what you need to do. Don’t remove them simply because it makes you feel too beginner, for lack of a better description. You remove them when you are ready. If you need to put them or a few back on so you are training your ears to the right tune, do it. 

In reading your introduce yourself, it almost seems like you are rushing yourself. Take it slow and learn the basics well before moving on. Play the easy simple pieces before tackling more demanding pieces. And learn them thoroughly. Repetition is boring, but you will reap rewards. Get your fingering and ear training to a good point. You will be better prepared for the more technical pieces later.

Ask me how I know? I started as an older adult and my first instructors assumed I should be able to skip the basics for some reason. I have had to go back and relearn those basics. I did have an instructor that did do that, my last instructor, he was great, but I still had to stop lessons for a while and just let that all seep in before moving forward. I know that if I had been taught as a normal “kid” beginner by my first instructor, I would not be in the position. Nutshell? Don’t rush the basics. Fingering is the part of those basics.