my $0.02 worth
My background is in low voltage DC circuits, electronics, and network engineering - lots and lots of experience with network, teco and video wiring.
I have no formal training in high voltage (>24v) eletrical work, but I have a basic understanding of how circuits work. What i do know i learned from learn-by-doing (replacing an outlet, upgrading a switch, adding a ceiling fan, etc), invariably doing so after consulting several DIY books (time-life, stanley and home depot the first ones i check before tackling something i don't know). The internet, including forums like this, provides a great deal of pratcial knowledge and professional insight that you can't get from books. in addition I have also tapped the knowledge of my father and a good friend of mine, both electrical engineers.
after much research, I decided to do all the wiring (lights, switches, outlets, telco, network, coax, GFI, etc) for my basement remodel project. For the most part, nailing boxes, pulling wires, wire-nutting conductors is pretty straight-forward. when I have run into unknows - largely dealing with "is it safe", "is it prudent", "is code compliant" or "how do i do this....", I have consulted a licensed electrician (neighbor), a lead inspector (via the state's L&I website) and a certified electrician who works at my local hardware store. through the use of all of those sources, I am confident that I have the knowledge that I need to accomplish the work and pass the inspections.
While it doesn't sound like you're doing a remodel, I wanted to give you some background on where I was coming from. so to address your questions/concerns.....
what makes me little nervous is the fact that because I chose to do the work, I am required (by the permit) to be the one make breaker connections in the panel. while I don't have a fear of electricity, I do have a very healthly respect for it. working on a circuit branch after you've turned off the breaker is no problem. discovering a hot neutral wire because of the previous owner's miswiring is not fun, but with precautions, can be mitigated. not taking every precaution when working in a hot panel (even just popping in a new stab-lock breaker) can be potentially deadly. I know what electricity can do and I know what steps i can take to minimize the risks to me. thinkgs you can do is to observe professionals at work when you can, ask questions, and research, ressearch, research. the key, in my opinion, is to have an understanding that places you somewhere between "knows enough to be dangerous" and "technically/professionally proficient". you don't need to be a ASE certified master mechanic to change the spark plugs or oil in your car, however, you do need to know things like how to select and use the right tools, not to touch hot metal engine surfaces with your bare hands, not to stick your fingers into moving engine parts, etc. giving your car a tune-up requires more knowledge, but is fully do-able by a DIY. the key is your confidence in your abilities, your confidence in understanding the things you need to do and your confidence in your ability to perform the work safely. if, after your research, you do not have a high degree of confidence to accomplish the task safely and correctly, then by all means, hire a professional.
how/when would i advise a DIY'er not do to electrical work, based solely on the question "would I do it myself", since (generally speaking) you have access to much of the same information that I do.....
-if it involves active working directly or very closely with live voltage.
-if it involves working with high voltages (>220v)
-if it involves utilizing special tools, safety equipment or knowledge that i don't have, and cannot obtain efficiently.
-if it involves working in situations or locations that do not allow me to exercise every safety precaution that i can.
-working with anything on the incoming side of the master panel cut-off switch.
-working with anything in the panel other than pulling in wires, installing breakers and making the neutral & ground bus connections.
-if i'm not confident that I can perform the work safely, efficiently and correctly.
others might suggest a more stringent set of circumstances to decide whether to do it yourself or not. like always, don't be afraid weigh the advice based on the source.
should you decide to tackle some of thes work yourself, here are some things to remember (this is not a comprehensive list, but a good set of basics).
-if you can shut off power to the wire/devices/fixtures you are working on, do so.
-use test equipment (voltage detector or multi-meter) to verify power flow before you start.
-I use rubberized gloves - personal choice, i don't see too many electricians who use gloves, at least when working on 110v residential. yellow dishwashing gloves and latex exam (while fitting the catory of rubberized) gloves are useless as they puncture very easily.
-when possible, use an insulating platform to work on, this can be as simple as a block of wood between and the floor.
-use wooden or fiberglass ladders instead of metal.
-use non-metalic or non-conducting tools when possible.
-let everyone in the house know that you're working on the electrical system.
-flag or tape all switches that you *do not* want turned on.
-don't wear jewerly or accessories that can dangle and conduct.
i'm sure there are other pieces of advice that can be added to this list.
don't forget: research, research, research - if in doubt, research some more - in still in doubt, hire a pro.
as to why there is a DIY forum? it provides a roundtable for experts and novices alike to exchange information and share advice. by posting here you might get responses from half a dozen or more licensed and certified electricians (in addition to non professionals like myself). to get that same kind of response, you'd have to call a bunch of electricians, ask the same questions to each of them, and hope they will give you an answer without charging your for it.
if you posted some specifics about your level of knowledge, skills, and the nature of the work you're considering, you will very likely get an assessment ast to the suitability for DIY, but also, if it is, you'd probably get suggestions and advice on how to do it.
disclaimer: I am not an electrician. the opinions are my own and while they work for me, they may not be applicable to you and your situation. Electricity, even a little bit, can kill you, but like fire, when handled correctly can be perfectly safe.
Good luck