Agree. Not to mention the connections that you make by being in close proximity to other like minded individuals.

With respect to consultants the other dimension is the consultant presumably has judgement which they can apply from all the information that they have accumulated over the years. Things that you read online don't have judgement. Although I guess if you want to spend an inordinate amount of time reading absolutely everything you may come somewhat close to being able to triangulate a close approximation. (Actually, no I don't think that is the case with many things..)