Having just bought my first rc airplane yesterday I can add a couple things. I have had only minimal advice given to me from Hobby store guys and what I have read off boards and websites and I worked for about an hour on realflights simulator. Other than that, I would say I have had zero instruction. I bought Hobby Zone's Super Cub and after an hour of setup and battery charging I was up and flying. While my landings were less than spectacular I did not have a major crash. The 3 channel remote, speed, and handeling of the Cub was obviously something a beginner can take home and have success with.
Having said that, I would not feel comfortable buying a gas airplane with 4 or 5 channels and all sorts of complicated setup, let alone trying to fly without an experienced buddy standing near by helping me with everything. For any "self taught" people who accomplished this, kudos to you. Your braver than me.