This is a great thread, Windsinger...thanks!
It is easy to become very inward-looking when songwriting. I think it helps you consider different techniques and ideas when you listen to the work of others and have the opportunity to chat about it with them.
I am lucky enough to know and share music with several great songwriters and I think it is fascinating to realise how differently we all work.
I have learnt a lot from others and it helps you from getting stuck into one style of writing and encourages you to try new ideas.
I like this mudcat thingy!