I think that building kits is about the equivalent to software tutorials. They might help with technique a bit but it’s a very passive way of learning and leads to the same kind of “tutorial hell” when you start your own projects.

For the more active form of learning, it’s the exact kind of just diving in that you’re worried about. Maybe, instead of worrying about breaking things though, order extra parts so you have spares to pop. That’s risk management but in the opposite direction you’re leaning towards.