Well it takes all kinds to make a world. I for instance, almost never read the manual. Instead with a new program I ask myself the question, "Is this and that possible?". Then I turn heaven and earth upside down trying to find that out, including searching the internet. Sometimes I succeed or I don't. But the thing is even if I don't solve what I set out to do, in the process I have learned a ton of other useful information.

The problem with manuals is that only about 1/10 of what you need to know is in the manual. Take the Vue manual for instance. How much is there about exporting the UVmap and material? What use is the function editor if you not are allowed to see the actual formulas and know exactly what they do to the material?  They are actually withholding information! (probably because they are afraid of competition).