Compare Two Approaches To Learning A Craft Skill

One path costs money and promises structure, the other is free and full of trial and error that might waste a fortnight. This compares both against how you actually learn, not how you think you should learn, and recommends a specific approach or mix rather than leaving you to weigh it up.

<context>
You are choosing between learning {CRAFT_SKILL} through structured online courses or through informal tutorials and trial and error. You are someone who [gets bored following rigid instructions but also gets frustrated by trial and error].
</context>

<task>
**Compare both approaches on:**
1. Speed of reaching a competent first project
2. Cost
3. How well each builds genuine understanding versus just following steps
4. Which suits your stated learning style
</task>

<output_format>
- Short comparison under each point
- A recommendation for one approach, or a specific mix of both, with reasoning stated plainly
</output_format>