Like most things, there are different ways to learn in this hobby. Trial and error works (after a fashion) but it's probably not the best approach. There aren't any stupid questions. We were all new to this at one point, and most of us have had the same questions and learning experiences.

I think what people are trying to say here is that it's better to ask if you have any doubts or concerns, rather than trying it first. So long as you're continuing to grow into new aspects of the hobby that'll always be the case. I've been flying planes for years, and have been learning (slowly) to fly a helicopter the last couple seasons. I've asked a lot of questions during that time, many of which were very basic.

It's far more pleasant to learn from someone else's bad experience than to have one yourself.