Improvisation

So I’ve been thinking recently about how I approach improvisation and noodling in general. Before I joined this online community I had a good understanding of theory and play relatively alright, but never have i really gelled them together until recent. Its very interesting because the more i think about the notes of the fretboard, the more ‘in-tune’ i am with the progression thats being played. Its even better when i think about the intervals however this will affect technique in some cases. Also, the more I use my ear, the more weird things are expressed on the guitar.
I guess im generally just wondering how does everyone else view their fretboards? Do you find you progress more with technique, sacrificing theory (or vice versa)? Or are you fortunate enough to say ‘Hey, Im a complete badass with both!’?