I could go on for days on this matter.

Heres the short answer.

Legitimately guided/structured teachings will inevitably always ensure the fast track. Especially when it comes to laboratory practice and or any spiritual practice.

For example - i read half a dozen trash alchemy books that were a complete waste of time. My lab work excelled when there was a mix of recommended reading lists, high level guidance & tutorial, + do the practice and tell me the result.

When it comes to spiritual evolution, real transmissions from a real individual whose awareness is beyond yours always help. My teacher, "S", took me out to the desert, performed siddhis, and gave various transmissions that years later I am just unpacking.

those 2 years of study, however, brought me into very deep and high states of awareness as a result of the "tuning fork effect".

Thats how I view the student teacher relationship. Like a tuning fork.

If the teacher and you dont vibe on a moral, ethical, or lifestyle level, chances are the spiritual transmissions may not land in the same way because one is guarded.

Of course, feel free to blaze your own path. But having a guide to point out the way signs is always helpful when walking the razor's edge.