Indeed they did not. They were very careful to support their positions by reference to Scripture. And even they erred. This is why we speak of the "consensus patrum" as the standard against which we measure the orthodoxy of the teachings of individual Fathers.
An individual's reading of the scripture does not usually involve "only" one's interpretation. Background information will usually have been provided from what others have taught one which very well include not only modern teachers but what other interpreters have said in the past...sometimes distant past. Bible groups continually come together to share interpretations and learn from each other and each other's experiences of Bible study so as not to rely only on their own interpretations.
Why do you think so many people read study Bibles? So they can glean extra insight from the sideline notes and not rely only on their own interpretations.
They were very careful to support their positions by reference to Scripture
Which is another indication why we should consider the Scripture the superior source.
It's a shame the EO can't step back and see how this "consensus patrum" can lead to heresy. As a Born Again Christian I don't give any special weight to the various gatherings of theologians and their pronouncements. The answers are in Scripture. If something is not clear in Scripture it's better to just leave it alone rather than to rely on politically connected theologians that did a good job submitting to the prevailing power.
A great example of how badly things go awry when depending on your "consensus partum" is the Marian Cult and worship of Mary that is so prevalent in the RCC.