I think to develop as a Freemason, you need to be going to Lodge. I also think as a Freemason, you need to focus on your own conduct first as it is the only thing you can control. Me, I felt like in initiating, passing and raising me, I owed a debt to the lodge and only had that experience because someone had put the time into learning the lines and lessons and delivering them in lodge and coaching me outside lodge so I try to pay that debt forward to others by doing what was done for me and learning the lines and showing up etc.
So I have a debt I try to pay forward, but that does not mean everyone should do as I do and in the same way.. hopefully some follow the example, just as I did (and they are, there were only 2 PMs in the ceremony and all the other work was done by MMs) but if some dont, but still support the lodge, even if only by paying dues, I am grateful for their support and continuing commitment, even if it is not the same as others' contribution..
Freemasonry is both a team sport and individual pursuit, but it is as individual where the real work of Freemasonry is done and there is nothing to say those "sticker masons" are not doing it... perhaps simply by being a better father, person. citizen etc... but you're much more likely to apply Freemasonry with positive effect if you understand the Craft, and that understanding should be developed by lodge attendance.