Dear Middle Ga Mike,
I think your problem is in the second sentence of your posting: "I've been at my occupation for over 25 years and thus have learned how to cut corners and that gives me a lot of free time alone in front of computer (I work out of office at home.)" Why are you cutting corners? To get more time doing fun things, or because you can do your job with your eyes closed and the thrill is gone?
I have absolutely no idea of what you are doing professionally, but it seems like doing the same thing for 25 years while working out of an office at home might signal massive boredom. And what's more entertaining and distracting than sexual preoccupations?
My next question is, are you bored with your wife? I know that's a blunt one, but you really need to address that too. I think you're in a rut, I really do. When I read your posting, I get this feeling of same-same-same-all-day-long, with an occasional whiff of excitement by reading reviews or spending a few extra dollars on an escort.
Yes, it would stand to reason that you'd get harder reading the reviews. They represent a flight from your day to day existence, a phantasy and an escape. As to your speculation that your desires are selfish, maybe you even feel guilty for HAVING desires?!?
No, I don't think you're a 'sex addict' or 'kind of screwed up.' But I think it's probably time for you to take serious stock of your life at large, beginning with the job situation. Are there ways for you to make your job more challenging or stimulating? Can you add or change the location of your work? Move to a different room, even?
As to your wife, you do need to talk. Profoundly, deeply, intimately. Maybe she's in a dreadful rut too and feeling it. And it's rubbing off on you. My best advice that I can give to you is to go see a therapist, even if only for a few sessions. And bring your wife. There's a dog buried here somewhere, and it's not in your pants. Meanwhile, keep masturbating. Why not, it's good for the prostate and the plumbing.
Please meet with a therapist, Mike. Let some of the extra dollars go toward a few appointments. It's not about your sex, it's about your life. And bring your wife, I think it would do you some good and breathe some life into the both of ya. As to the hobbyin', your big head will make a deal with your little head when the time comes. But for now, just focus on the big one and ask yourself these really difficult questions.
Let us know how it goes,
the Love Goddess