Regarding Q1, I feel that the profusion of Tab has created a generation (on the whole) of youngsters trying to re-create music that was originally imaginative and freely improvised. In my opinion, Tab is really only useful in examining technique, because simply reproducing the music is hardly 'creative' is it?
As a musician for over 30 years,(see my profile, Q2), I can confirm that having played with or seen virtually all of the guitar giants since the late 60's, the degree of variation and improvisation that they have delivered in live performances is what keeps rock fresh, alive and driving forward.
It has just occurred to me, has the straitjacket of notation and discipline created the current hiatus in classical music? After all, there aren't any new Beethovens or Wagners on the horizon, are there?
Finally on Q2, this site seems to attract quite a few students whose enthusiasm is evident. Perhaps if I was 15 and been playing for a very short while I would keep that quiet, although in reality they are the very guitarists that we should be encouraging!
"Its what you DON'T play that sets you apart from the mundane."