Rumble, I can most HEARTILY agree.  I've been "piddlin'" around (my grandfathers old statement) with guitars since the late 60's and never really took the time to learn to actually play the darn thing.  I found GT in 2021 and grabbed the full access membership.  I am also in my (now) second year and I can readily state that I have learned more in the last year or two than all the previous years combined.

I don't have any of the formal training as what you described, but at 66 years young I am thrilled beyond measure how much enjoyment I get out of this hobby.  I'm glad to hear that someone with formal training will say that it benefits them as well.  I know too many people who hit that stage of "Oh, I am great on this thing" and then never continue learning.  I've always found that learning is a journey, not a destination, and that applies to all areas of our lives.

Thanks for sharing your journey.  Glad to have another on the path...