It sounds to me like she is trying to sell you a new sewing machine, with a nice cabinet. First thing to remember with any instructor, It is just their opinion, and won't be yours, until you try any suggestions, and then form your own opinions. There is nothing wrong with being self taught, I am self taught, and I pick up new things all the time, after I have tested them, then I decide if I want to add it to my opinion list. There are more than one way to get from point A to point B. Experience is your best teacher.