The sorts of crypto I've dealt with in more traditional contexts (Attacking a web application, etc), are very different from the skillset required for 1o57's badge challenge.
They're both a ton of fun, and an aptitude for one probably hints at an aptitude for the other, but I wouldn't discount yourself entirely, just because one writeup scared you off :)
The DEFCON badge challenges are definitely above and beyond what most people are expected to be able to do. It's also less about cryptography and more about general puzzle solving and recognition, though good crypto knowledge is just a necessity.
In other words, some of the world's best cryptographers would probably not be able to get past the first or second parts, let alone complete the challenge.
I can't imagine trying to solve this! You'd have to love puzzles with an insatiable appetite to endure this.
Good job, team.