It became a solitary activity (leading to dangerous ground arn't I). Also it leads to poor practice routines and a general lack of progress (for most people)....
....Hence I need a tutor to move my playing on to something than arsing around with nothing but a vague destination.
I'm sure I've said this before, but maybe it's true for you too - ever since I started playing and got interested in guitar, I've known a lot more in my head than I have in my hands.
That "gap" keeps getting bigger as the years pass, and whenever I think I must knuckle down and practice I really have no idea where to start or what direction to go in. It usually means I go right back to basics, quickly get bored then get lazy again...
I think you're right, finding a good teacher probably would be the best thing to do.
You guys are riding around in the same boat I'm in....
I've just started with a teacher here in Oz and the first thing he said to me.
"Just by coming to practice with me once a week you've taken a huge step forward"
Money changing hands or not, he's right. I know he's right.
When I gave up lessons a few years a go to start an accoustic duet with a guy, just by playing twice a week with someone else I took huge leaps forward in my playing.
Once that fell apart I really didnt have anyone else to bounce off of for nearly 2 years. I can honestly say I really suck compared to my playing back then.
....So I'm back with a teacher and starting over again!