What do you think? Which makes better players

Let's assume all things are equal. You have two players and they have read the same books, watched the same poker TV shows, They are both relatively a knowledgeable about the game. Which way makes the better player? Go out and drop a deposit online or grind it out trying to build the bankroll from scratch? let here what you think. Now they are both playing the same games.

IMO if you grind from nothing and increase your BR
gradually,then you are learning the skills that are
required to win.
if you just deposit and 'take shots',
unless you are very lucky, you will bust
sooner or later.
to me grinding your way though the levels
makes you into a poker player,
taking shots is just gambling
so to answer your question
IMO building from scratch (or micro)
will make you a better player

This thinking doesnt really add up. Poker pros didnt grind through micros and up through the levels and they learnt a lot as they pros. Its more to do with how someone picks things up and how the individual treats the game. Grinding through freerolls etc can become tedious and can in fact put you off the game and lose motivation and become disalusioned with the game. Also when playing freerolls and low stakes poker that isnt real poker. Yes its called poker but it isnt stuff you should learn and bring to higher tables. You play micros a lot different to higher stakes. Also when putting own money at risk youd tend to be more focused motivated, want to improve your game more, be more passionate and commited. Youd wait for good hands and should play well knowing its YOUR money at stake. That cnat be said in freerolls. I personally think you always learn more in whatever field in life when there is more to lose. You learn more when your backs to the wall, you learn more when you got stuff to lose, you learn more when you are forced to play to your best.

point taken
my point is BR management
you must be rolled for the stakes you play
IMO you have to earn your way up,
whether it is your money or money you have won.
when you are new to the game you will get
eaten alive at higher stakes.
learn cheaply till you can move up
you should not have to be 'forced' to play your best
this could make you play worse
you should be comfy at the level you play
and enjoy it
if you can afford a big BR
so much the better

I think all levels of poker can teach you about the game--even the ultra micro levels. Freerolls may be another matter, but you can still claim that just seeing cards and playing your hand has value.

However, thinking that 'getting lucky' is going to teach you something is inaccurate. If you don't watch and maintain good bankroll management you will lose. Variance will rear it's fickle head and someone that is making a killing will lose it all back. OR, they will understand the game and learn and continue on.

Deposit some money. Play micros. Learn. Pay attention and make notes on players and their play. Record every sessions win/loss and any hand that stuck out in your mind after the session. Ask questions/opinions here. There's no one way to play this game, but there are many wrong ways to play it. Good luck.

Cheers

Every level you jump up will most likely have a negative affect on your br until you understand the level of play which you are now on. Br, is the ends to the mean imo. Without it, I won't make extra money. It is a nest egg that must be protected, but yet you continually place pieces of it at risk every time you sit down at a table.

Your bankroll is just a tool.

I use to think if I was a very good player at low limits, then I would be a very good player at higher limits. This is not true,,,, I suggest finding stakes that fit and play there. As much as I hate say it, I think I have the skills but not the balls to play higher levels LOL.
take care

I unfortunately started out as a freerolls maniac with no deposits on any sites (6 poker sites). I currently have BR in all and I've moved to micro level (<$5) and hope to get to next level by end of year.
I find it hard to peg a player at any given set level, especially with change up in game play. I just play my game and adjust when needed. I do have am awesome group of friends that are showing me all aspects of the game - from HeartLand Tour Champ of Champs, to 1%'s of PS, to PSO players of all levels. I will always be a student of the game and hope to make the right call <90% of the time. Not sure if I answered your questions, hust throwing my thoughts out there...