Watching rather than playing..

I'm not sure if this is in the right forum, but my question comes as a result of a MTT.

Do you think it is beneficial to watch a MTT and try to read people, watch betting patterns...etc?

I do this on FullTilt to try to learn NL Hold Em alot better. I am new to the game and want to do very well. I play 6max Shorthanded Limit, but sometimes I don't think that game is for me.

What are your thoughts on watching rather than playing to try to pick up the game?

As a sidenote - I play on Pokerstars and Fulltilt in as many freerolls as I can, and also the 1$ MSNG, and 1$ tourneys since the risk is low and reward is huge.

Any thoughts on that also?