Yes, I thought I could learn to play the piano on my own. I did to a rudimentary level. I've had 3 lessons and WOW! The abstract things like (Circle of 5ths for example) now make sense and it has opened a whole new world. Chords are so much better understood, 6ths,7ths are better understood. Counting has actually helped me not panic to get to the next note. I still have so far to go but I know I made the right decision to seek in person help.
I still think the internet offers a wonderful opportunity to learn piano, after I get the basics down.