It kinda sounds like you need to possibly look at bolstering up in the skill department. Particularly pertaining to the mixing/production of the tuneage that you are creating.
Its a fine line between having a piano, pad, bass, and drum beat playing together, and them actually sounding tight. I say fine line, but it can take some precision editing. I remember spending 2hrs or so going through editing an 8 bar section which only had 3 instruments in.
It also depends very much on the style of music that you are making as well. There are particular types/styles of mixing that are generally associated with different genres. Hiphop/R'n'b/ for instance are generally quite bass heavy. Trance and dance as well, with more emphasis on the high and mid range.
You should also aim to follow some basic principles for instance, bass and kick/snare should always be locked tight like super glue. (you can vary to what degree, and get some interesting grooves and feels but thats personal taste to an extent) I would also suggest that quick passages of notes are played with a short decay sound.
This will help in terms of defining the note as its played. Making it more distinct from the previous and next notes around it. For instance, a french horn might not work so well doing a rapidly moving passage. Where as a trumpet might.
I might suggest looking for books like
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Music-Produ...d=1394250858&sr=8-2&keywords=music+production which will give you a good oversight as to how to go about crafting some more complete songs.
Finally if theres one thing I have learnt doing my music (hybrid rocky, electro, dance, electronica) it's don't force it, start off simple and work from there.
This also stands with inserts, and effects. Psychologically it can feel great to have all these channels using all these effects. But in actual fact it can end up making the mix more complex after a point. So, start with simple things like making sure that you are organised in your recording/mixing/songwriting process, then from there start to build good habits.
If you have Logic (even Logic Express) you are basically 60-70% the way there in terms of gear, for a beginner at least. I personally loath Logic, but understand its usefulness, its incredibly flexible and versatile. I would recommend getting a relatively decent keyboard for about $250-300 though, as this will increase the quality of your playing experience tremendously.
I would also consider spending some decent money on headphones and speakers. (if you haven't already) as this will help you when listening and help to show you what sounds wrong, even if you don't know how to fix it at that point.
Hope that helps.
Pete
.