I hear what your saying...I personally learned guitar by reading tabs and learning songs, that's how I developed my style. I tried learning theory, but it never clicked with me.

I didn't make that statement b/c I don't know theory, but after 20 years of playing, learning from tabs, etc...I can pretty much just pick up a guitar and play or jam with anyone, no matter what style it is. Not saying I consider myself a great guitarist or anything, I'm a very sloppy player, but I do have a good ear, which is what it boils down to for me....Someone who has a good ear for music are the ones I like the best, not the ones that can shred through scales at 240bpm.