I know I'm sounding somewhat self-righteous, here. I've already admitted that I have carried for years w/o any formal firearms training and now that I have I'm stating that anyone who hasn't is at a real disadvantage. Well...we learn from our own mistakes and others, I guess. I'm just glad that I've never had to draw my weapon as I realize now that I stood a good chance of having it used against me or at least having it stuck "where the sun doesn't shine".
In addition to enhancing my firearms handling capabilies, the biggest reward I got from formal training was "mindset". That is, I'm much more aware and comfortable in carry mode, now. In fact, I now carry 24/7 whereas I didn't before. The range masters and instructors I had impressed on us that if we were trained and licensed to carry and didn't, well, then we were doing ourselves, our families, and other civilians a disservice. We're not looking to be heroes (in fact, I would be LESS likely to draw my weapon, now), but if the "fecal matter" hits the fan, Aunt Bea fumbling for the .380 in her purse isn't gonna be much help. But a TRAINED civilian just might be.
So maybe we should share where and how we've been schooled in order to encourage others?