I started with EQ5, so learning EQ6 was easy. I am hoping for the same with EQ7. I don't think I have ever looked at the tutorials, or read the book, but I haven't made a quilt in two years that did not start out on EQ6 first. I LOVE the program. I was just using it this morning to design a quilt for a friend. I am sure if I actually took the time to do the tutorials, I would find other fun things to do with the program, but right now, I feel pretty happy with what I can do. I would recommend getting blockbase and some of the other libraries to go with the basic program.
If you are not very computer-saavy, I too would recommend you do the tutorials. I can see how the program could be a bit intimidating and overwhelming to someone with limited computer skills.