I have been struggling for months trying to find the right Android 3D Game development system.  I had pretty much decided on JME, but after some testing and further research, I've discovered JME isn't necessarily the best Android performer.  I would also prefer to not use a scripting engine.

Though I have over 30 years of PC programming experience in C/C++ and Assembly, I do not know the first thing about game programming and am only just finishing my (Android) Java education.  I am completely self-taught in anything to do with computers.  Don't worry, I am not writing for technical advice, these forums cover those topics pretty well.  What I am looking for is some guidance!

First, before I ask my questions, I would like to make a few things clear:

• I am more worried about performance, quality, and stability than getting a product out the door as fast as possible
• I do understand jPCT is a 3D engine, not necessarily a game engine (translation, I would still have a lot of work to do in writing a game)
• I am not worried about porting to any other OS (though if possible, I did want to keep that option open)
• I am not scared to learn new concepts (there are plenty of free game theory books available)
• I am not afraid of a coding challenge
• I plan on writing, mostly, 3D RPGs (Oblivion, Ravensword, etc.)
• I want as much control as possible (given my other statements)
• I only want to use free tools, or write my own that are not available for free

To me (and remember, I am completely uninitiated) it looks like jPCT is an API that handles the nitty griddy details of 3D programming: collisions, model rendering, etc., something, by the way, I do NOT want to write myself.  Also, jPCT, from my understanding, does not offer anything as high-level as scene render software - that would be completely up to me.

Finally, here are my questions:

• Given what I've described above, is jPCT a good fit for my needs or should I stick with a game engine like JME?
• Am I missing any vital (but basic) concepts needed to make a decision?
• Any general game programming advice?

I have read again and again that picking the right tools from the start is very important.  Like I stated above, I don't mind putting in the time and effort needed to learn what I need to, but even so, I don't want to waste that time and effort.

For anyone who has read all this and decided to help me out, thanks in advance!