Should I bother with breast stroke?

I've had swimming lessons as a kid, but never got the hang of it. Never put my head under water, could only do 2 laps before being completely exhausted. No confidence. As an adult now I've started a few lessons, breast stroke, and immediately I'm seeing improvements.

Yesterday I tried some laps by myself. Did about 1200m (pace of 5:20/100m). Had to pause and catch my breath after every 2 laps. Not sure if that's okay for a beginner, but I know I have a long way to go. I see other swimmers do 8-9 strokes to do 22m, while I'm at 14 strokes.

So 2 questions I guess:

1. What goals should I set to improve my breast stroke? Should I get those strokes down (technique)? Or focus on breathing and endurance?
2. I'm willing to keep improving at breast stroke, but I'm wondering if I need to fully master breast stroke first before learning freestyle? Breast stroke feels so inefficient.

submitted by /u/Raspieman
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