Here is my input and I hope this helps. I've been playing guitar since I was 10. Playing chords with ease and always thought I had a natural talent when it came to rhythm. I could never shred and would never try a lead lick.

I stopped playing in my 30's and picked back up now in my 40's. I'm back to my old self when it comes to chords and playing a song but I realize now how important scales are and being fluid with them.

Most of my time is now spent learning scales when I can. Yes it is not the most rewarding thing a first, but a necessary evil to becoming an all around guitar player. You'll get by for a long time just on chords, but understanding music and using scales will make you a musician not just a guitar player.