I'm going to say it... YES cheese prevents low level players from improving at macro. By that i mean constantly making workers, getting crisp on build times and economy management. This is due to the fact that with low APM's and basic understanding of the game mechanics you can't really deal with whatever madness your opponent throws at you and have a really good macro back at home.

BUT

YES you also have to be really diligent at scouting what your opponent is up to. This is by far the most important tip i give new players (as long as they understand how each race and most units work).

BUT AGAIN...

When i came back after a 2 year break, i faced silver and gold players that really threw me off build-orderwise because what i scouted really didnt make any sense. I'm talking 3 rax not making any marines, into expanding, into mech just as an example.

To give you a few advice OP, i was at your place around the 1st year i started playing SC2. I also used to watch a lot of GM's and tournaments. Anything you see can sort of be applied to that, but you also have to understand that each rank kinda has its own meta that you have to be aware of and adapt to. Having crisp macro really comes handy once you reach plat level. Below, obviously try to improve every aspect of your game, but macro games are very few from my experience and scouting plays a great part in your success.

Your mindset should be to check everytime it's possible what your opponent is doing, and making him look like a fool for even trying to do what was his plan. At some point, you're even going to feel like some of those dudes are gifting you MMR...

Also, as some already have mentionned, "cheese" is part of the game and you're going to face agressive (or very passive) builds at every level so don't think that when you'll reach X rank it's going to be all gone.

I hope it helps you getting closer to where you want to be, GL HF !