Hey, we accept disagreement! But some of us have experience with beginners, both as former beginners and as instructors. So we do have some idea of what will work and what won't. You're asking questions so that people with more experience will answer them. But it's ok with us if you disagree!
Yes, you can learn on your own. Plenty have done it. It will cost you more and take longer. You will break things and get frustrated. And you won't become as good a pilot as quickly without an instructor. Double that if you decide to use a plane that requires more pilot skill to fly. But it's your hobby and as long as you're safe there's no reason not to do it the way you want to. We'll still be here to answer your questions either way and will welcome the opportunity to help you along.