Youtube has been the best thing that has happened to me as a guitar player. I've never had the aspiration to play in a band at anytime in my life. I don't have time for the drama, the pain and for the schedule. I like to jam with friends once in awhile.
I don't have time for lessons either. I've always been self taught, or taught by some friends who were better players. Youtube opened up a whole world of possibilities. I can get a lesson on speed picking from six guys, learn Koto techniques from
Eric Johnson and watch someone explain how to play Blackbird - all in a half an hour - with guitar in hand.
It helped me realize how much more I should have been practicing - but I didn't have the knowledge - and the time barrier has always been too large for me to overcome. so, I guess in a way, it helped me see I "suck" but gave me the solutions at the same time.
Also, youtube has helped me understand gear so much better. you can many times find people with the exact gear you are interested in playing on a similar guitar or exact guitar you have. very cool.