Sh*t or get off the pot?

For everyone that hasn't read a few of my posts: I'm a newbie. Never played poker until last summer. Started playing home games. Bought a few books. In August 2004 I was given $2 free at Paradise Poker. When that was gone, I bought in for $50. When that was gone, bought another $50. When that was gone, another $50.
In December I found FTR.
Bought in for $100 at Empire. Started reading FTR and realizing what I fish I am. Started thinking about pot odds, and implied odds. When my roll got down to $50, I bought it back up to $100.
I've tightened up to 22% VP$. Basically now I'm playing break even poker with a short BankRoll and the variance has busted me (My AA got cracked for my whole stack and I'm now sitting on $14.00).

So my queston:
I have some money in my checking account I can spare and Empire is running a 25% bunus this weekend for re-ups. Should I take the plunge and buy in with an actual bankroll? I think $250 is the minimum suggested to play $25 NL tables and $5+1 SnGs.

I'm definitely still in the learning curve, but have been losing a lot less money than when I started. I don't multi-table, so the bonus will take me awhile.
I really enjoy the game but may not yet be a + player yet. What I mean to say is that for $50, I can ENTERTAIN myself, and my poker interest for, say, at least 30 hours of play. But eventually I know I'll be bust. This is partly because of my play and partly because of my small BRoll. Playing short makes me pay close attention, but also makes me 'play scared' (timid, weak) sometimes.

So, how many of you say:
"If you're gonna play, play with a real bankroll".

And how many:
"If you're not a winning player, entertain yourself with $50 and try to get better before making a commitment."

Thanks.