I think I've used pretty much all avenues. I am in favour of taking lessons, as I believe they help iron out issues in technique that might limit down the road, but then I teach as well, so am probably biased!

I still take a lesson each week, but spend around 4 hours a day practicing or playing, so teach myself also. It took me years like schmange to get to a decent level, as there was no internet for me either - just crap books with greensleeves in and stuff like that.

There is no point in taking lessons if the lessons teach you songs - all that takes is time. Learning a new technique, sweep-picking for example, would be easier if you have someone show you that trying to read how IMO...

On how long it takes to learn guitar - I bet no-one who really loves guitar ever feels like they're done learning.....