Built-in ICE is an excellent tool but I think that a beginner that goes directly to an ICE has the potential of seeing it all as "magic" and not understanding exactly what is happening and why. We've seen some pretty amazing questions in the forum from time to time that suggest a very impressive lack of understanding of what they're trying to do; I won't even go into some of the questions I get via email.
1) I love your phrase which I highlighted.
2) I am sure that both you and I started out when ICE was something you put in drinks. As, by fate, I have always either worked alone (with my tools) or for a larger company (with a full complement of tools for everyone) I have never seen a beginner without an ICE. Thus I can not judge what you state here. I have always recommended ICE for beginners since it will show the inner workings and, if that makes it appear as "magic", I stand corrected.

I do know some of the hilarious/sad occurances that beginners make happen and have, in my career, had both unbelievable questions and very stubborn postulates. I, personally can handle the unbelievable questions but when it is stubbornly postulated that something is something which it is not, I rename the beginner something else.

Erik