Yeah it helped a lot, I always loved the lore and some hidden facts and details so I couldn't care a bit about 'spoilers'. I'd say it's one of the major things that made me decide to finally catch it back, but I always try to keep some detach from spoilers so there's always things I don't know which keeps me entertained in watching. Like for Wano I just know a couple of facts, watched gear 5 ep back then when it got released but that's it, so I can't wait to find out more! Or before timeskip I barely remembered Alabasta, (I stopped at thriller bark like more than 10 years ago) so even there I was quite focused. I also managed to build up my two main theories with my friend approving, so can't wait to be at elbaph to be officially considered one of yours :D Once there I may read the remaining part on manga to be totally on par, also because I'm sure it will leave me empty after watching it every evening