high end gear is easier to learn with.
IMO the only reason anyone should use low end gear is when they are trying to see if they going to like whatever it is they are buying.
many people will buy junk when they start out, not like the junk, and then not continue with whatever it is they were starting.
i fished with a procaster and lightning rod for a few months, got the hang of baitcasting pretty good, saw that it was time to upgrade, and got citicas and avids.
higher end gear = ease of use = pleasureable experience