...kinda figured that would garner varying opinions amongst the village folk. No doubt I will turn to a strap when that time comes, but learning the way the old-timers did has a certain fond nostalgia to it. 23 skidoo and a razzmatazz.
If you are a beginner, there is enough friction in learning anyway, unless you are a savant, autodidact or perfect mimic, that I would often recommend any useful tool that can ease that friction, and then later, when confident, one can venture out and expand the skill-set.
I found it easier to start with a strap, and often, if it is only going to be a short session, do not bother much with the strap, unless recording or making a video when I need the be spot-on and dont want to do 40 takes to 'get it right'.
But like I said, you can do what works for you. The traditionalists and the old-fashioned ways
sometimes are better left in the past, especially if there is new technology or new thinking that can streamline things. I'm not saying to disrespect the history, as one can still have reverence while moving
forward and using all the currently available tools and methods.
Some folks LOVE friction tuners, OTOH, I do NOT. We are BOTH correct. We can BOTH be happy. Same thing with straps, etc...
Nobody has to be wrong for another person to be right here, is all I'm trying to say. Folks that put you down for your choices, are in fact themselves either misinformed or uninformed and should not have such deep influence on us. I'm rambling now, so that's my cue...
and I am glad to help. 
