I also quilted long before hearing about rotary cutters and mats. Cutting with scissors was a bummer. With machine quilting and rotary cutters all is much faster and more accurate. Learning to use a rotary cutter was a bit hard, I use to cut the edge of ruler but now am very adapt at it.
I got my first cutter and mat in the early 90s. I only use scissors to trim my quilt tops and if I have enough space I use an old rotary blade.
Do what you feel is best for you.