If you are comparing to watching tv vs hitting balls I would agree. But if you are talking about $$$ and Time I will have to respectfully disagree. Money is needed to gamble, take lessons, and play in tournaments agreed? There is no way practice alone will do you any good other then being able to beat your buddy consistently or play really well on your own table. Time is also a factor. The time needed to play is a variable that changes depending on the person and their skill level. I would probably need to put in a hell of a lot of hours to be one of the top players in Des Moines and that is only if I obtain the skill, nerves, smarts, and passion to do so agreed? Working 5 days a week, having a life of friends and a girlfriend, as well as other hobbies take time. Sure I can hit some balls with the girl, but that will only do me so good and I will not improve my game that way. I straight up told her if I ever wanted to push myself to the limit and (Army quote) be all I can be, she will rarely see me because I will be out playing in tournaments, gambling, practicing by myself or with a partner that is as good or better. Do you think she wants to just watch the whole time??? Yes I can let her play, but you and I know this only is for hang out purposes and not to make my game better.
Edit...and as for the $$$ I don't mean cheap $5 tournaments or $5 dollar sets...but actual nice amount of dough to do all these things and still pay the bills that I scrape to pay each month.