i started play money tables too and used free money (never deposited my own) to build a bankroll

from my transition from play money to 2NL, i noticed the play was remarkably similar. most people dont care about the money at 2NL or they just are poor players. with a bit of reading up on ABC poker, you can easily exploit how often they'll call you down with 2nd or 3rd pair

as far as your BRM goes, thats good that you're taking play money seriously. that'll just mean you'll take real money even more serious. but just remember that as long as you play within your BR, you shouldn't be playing scared money