ORIGINAL: TLH101
Either way works, but most of the pilots I have seen that were self taught lacked a lot of the basic skills that you need to know, but don't get to use all the time. IE: rudder use, stall recovery, comfort when flying from either direction etc.
Sorry, I don't agree. Maybe lacking skills in the first year or two, but those skills develop pretty much on thier own through experience and become habit (for the most part).