What He Said!! Same travails for many of us. I wholeheartedly agree, as will many members. Why? Because we've done the same approach-avoidance stuff... Bar chords? Don't need 'em! Modes? What's the point? Memorizing the fretboard? Poppycock!
But eventually, it comes 'round full circle. I agree with Dr. Tipton wholeheartedly! (Except for that underhanded comment about the single greatest droid in the universe....).
Cheers!