I could go either way on this. I was taught to read music, and stuff like intervals and chordes, but a lot of other techniques I figured out on my own. I think having a teacher is a great idea, and I understand why a lot of people end up regretting not getting one or not learning about music or something. You dont have to worry about being un original in my opinion, because even if you tried to copy someone else style exactly, you couldn't do it. It may sound similar, but it wont be an exact replica of that persons playing.
And I think its perfectly okay to go to some big music school and learn about theory, because that way, you know all the ins and outs, and song structures and harmonies would be much easyer to build. You'd still have to make them sound good though.
There is something Mike Mushok said once. Learn all the theory you can, then forget it. I could go and be this huge theory wiz, but I wouldn't look at writing music like, "Oh well I'm in C minor so I cant use this scale because bla bla bla.." I would just go "Well, thats a nice idea, oh look, its a harmonic minor scale, how bout that?"
Being taught or self taught is cool either way, but I think that whatever you do, you still must be able to make your guitar engoyable to listen too.