I wouldn't ditch the set right yet. Use the set, and perhaps expand it with
Atlas Snap Track - more realistic and probably cheaper, as well as available at every hobby/model train shop. Get that and some cork roadbed, ballast, etc. Do you have a beginner's book or guide to provide you with some ideas of what you might want to do?
Once you add buildings, scenery, more more rolling stock etc, then decide whether you want to make the investment in DCC. Buy an engine that is DCC ready, but doesn't have the chip. This way, if / when you decide to move to DCC, you have an engine that is ready for the decoder without a lot of hassle.
Post some pics in the gallery when you are setup, we would like to see the set!
John