Memorizing scales across the fretboard

[btrag]

I've tried Mr. Pac-Man's scale method, and, it is effective and very daunting. I am starting only knowing scale patterns and position playing. Also, I can immediately locate three locations of a particular note on the fretboard (so I can play scales in three different locations).

What I've been doing lately is slowly expanding the range of scale notes I play in a given position. For instance, instead of playing a D scale up and down starting on the A string fifth fret and ending on the G string 7th fret, I will start on the F# on the E string, and then play G, A, B, C, D (root) E, etc. Of course, I do this with the root D as my spatial reference point. That is my guide so-to-speak. I can play this extended pattern in the three places where I can find D on the fretboard.

So, how far along am I? I'm still relying on "pattern playing" I think. But, if I can play a scale all over the fretboard using this method, is that O.K.?