Guitarists are painters...the more colors and brushes with which to work with,the more interesting the art can become.

Speed is part of the pallette as well as theory.Different styles,techiques and theory are also on the pallette...the guitar is your canvas.

aquiring Speed is simply an expansion of potential expression options.

Knowing theory sure dosnt help your fingers go any faster or adapt any different.Theory is a knowlege of what comprises music and its faces/inner workings,the way physics explains motion.
You should have SOME understanding of what your doing even if vague,but explaining what your playing has no effect on the execution or what people hear.
Theory seems to be an accomplishing/self improving medium...sorta like going back to school in your 40's to get your mba for no real reason accept to build character and self worth/esteem...

well thats it.

Later! \m/