I'm a hermit quilter too... maybe we need to start a new group! LOL
I read a lot of tutorials and information on the web, as well as books, magazines, pretty much anything I can get my hands on. But I've done a couple of classes too. My first ever was an absolute laugh, the whole day was filled with laughter, cake, sewing, and fun. It was a great group of people, with a tutor who wanted to have a good time too. I've taken another class where I got a lot of really good information and tips, but wasn't nearly as much fun and everyone was serious and focused.
I'm a lot more productive on my own, in a group I tend to talk too much and fall behind, or not pay attention and make mistakes. But if you get the right bunch of people together, you can't beat a class. :-)