I just assumed all spiritual roads led down the same path eventually, they just use different words.
By the way, didn't the Buddha teach to think for yourself?
Why is Buddhism getting shoehorned into every discussion? Surely that's not the only way on the spiritual path?
Referring to terminology or ideas from the supposed teachings of the Buddha doesn't necessarily mean one has put their own thinking and experiencing on hold and is relying on the experiences of others in total.
My interest in the teachings of the Buddha started with a temporary experience of an egoless state, in which i felt deep inner peace, and was fully aware of the impermanence of all phenomena. I never was interested in spirituality before that day.
After that i came across the novel Siddartha by Hermann Hesse, and only then i began looking into buddhist teaching.
I found it to almost perfectly resonate with the experience i had.
I started learning Vipassana on a retreat and read some Suttas and Dhamma books.
What i am trying to say is, don't judge too fast. Just because someone is following the eightfold noble path or trying to, doesn't mean they don't think or feel for themselves.
However it is part of us humans being cultural beings thakt not everybody has to invent everything again for themselves. When somebody has learned something of interest for human beings, he/she can share those experiences through word, writing and teaching others practically.
If i find there is already a sophisticated spectrum of thoughts, technique and terminology, why would i try to invent it all over again? Apart from the fact that i wouldn't even be able to :p
That being said, i know from my own experience how confusing all those different approaches to spirituality can be. Even if you exclude all the hundreds of non-buddhist teachings, the cosmos of buddhist teachings alone provides plenty of opportunity to get lost. If you have a clear idea of what you're looking for it certainly helps. It allows you to conduct a more goal oriented search for the right path/teaching. Most of them you will be able to dismiss quickly. With a bit of luck and maybe some good karma you will eventually stumble upon the right path for you. Relax and trust the force for that! But don't be lazy in your search :p
Here again your point and Buddha's point of thinking for yourself comes into play. If you rely exclusively on good faith and devotion to a teacher or teaching, it's more likely to get lost.
The clearer your own idea is, the better the chance you find the right path for you.
My advice is....look for something that is simple but effective. Simple but not easy to practice. Something that doesn't make you feel like you have to be a rocket scientist. Something that teaches morality, calming the mind in concentration, and eventually experientiell wisdom of the true nature of yourself. Something that gives noticeable results.
I hope i didn't write too much, and i hope it encourages you to find your way. It is certainly doable.
Wish you all the best luck for that!