Yes there is definitely heaps of stuff to learn. I just learnt something new just then. I wanted to pop online to tell you a skill you might be interested in that I find helpful. I guess you could say it is my primary skill since I've placed the skill in my dominate mouse button. It is called storm brand; believe its a blue gem. Great for quick aoe (area of effect); then linked with a support gem that can give a buff.
After checking out the name of the skill to tell you; I realised the word 'brand' and remember reading this word somewhere. Turns out its a thing and there are skill points you could use to buff them up. So exciting when you learn something new. Now I have more areas on the skill tree I want to put points into. Funny how my initial thought of the massive branching skill tree was negative and now it is positive.
I understand what you mean about enjoying and finding out stuff on your own as you play the game. Learn the new things as they come along. But through other people; depending on the topic; you get to discover more and could lead you to coming up with other great ideas on how to build your own character. Though I must say; I am/was one of those type of people who like to share when I've played a game for a while. I get excited and try to share things I wish I had known when I started the game. I've learnt from it; I try to stop doing it too much because I am just ruining the game for someone else. Learning the game through trial and error at your own pace is the fun part.
Also dont feel bad if you get some gear from people; just take it as an opportunity to play around with the new stats and gear.