I was learning (jazz) guitar for 4 years. There was some pause, but now I am back in track and learning again for 6 months. I do some 0.5-1 hours/day scale and pattern practice with a metronome, then learning tunes using backing tracks, transcribing solos etc. I am not a professional so I am doing this for fun not for a living. However this does not mean I would not like to be a great musician. (in my dreams)
I have no good technique at all. With 160 I can play (almost) clear eigths (I mean: 320 notes per minute) and with 110 I can play (almost) clearly triplets. Some of my practice patterns have heavy string changes and I noticed that my progress is stuck (in meaning of speed). I never practice faster than my (almost) clear play capability. My priority goal is to produce clear and enjoyable sound and not the speed. However this tempo is way far from what we call "speed", and limits me in many ways.
Problem: In the last 3 months I was stuck with this tempo. Well it became clearer and also became easier to play, but not faster.
Q1: Is it possible that my alternate picking is a problem, or this speed is hopefully far from the limits of the alternate picking?
Q2: My goal is not Al Di Meola, neither Metheny, but I would like to play most Wes Montgomery solos without technical difficulties. Should I stay with alternate or is it recommended to relearn economy whatever it costs?
Q3: In case I decide, how is it possible to relearn from alternate to economy? Seems to be impossible, especially when picking up and changing from a higher string to the next lower.