Don't bash the guy. He's intelligent and was able to figure things out for himself that most people have to be taught. Seriously, if you think about it, most everything in our hobby, at least on the hobby level, should be intuition. One should be able to look at the way an elevator moves and figure out what kind of basic effect it is going to have on an airplane.

Frankly, I also prefer to learn things on my own, whether I succeed or fail. You learn more this way. Unless, of course, you are one of those who are easily discouraged by a minor setback.

All of this said, I think that for most people an instructor is the way to go. It's safer (which is the most important aspect) and for most people easier.

Kudos!