I think the trouble of playing along with the opening database is that you just don't get used to the opening if you're playing parrot fashion. If you follow variations in a book you get used to playing certain lines, and once you have the main ideas of those lines down pat, you can move onto more successful ones. If you go for the successful ones right away you miss the richness of developing your game on the lines that you feel suit you.
Opening database
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I admit it. I have been overly reliant on the database of the openings. While it may have resulted in a few wins, it hasn't helped my overall chess game.
So as of now, I will stop using it. I may, however, use my MCO book as well as any textbooks discussing opening theory. I will also make use of my past games.
My "rating" may well drop, but I think that my chess abilities will improve.