This deserves some discussion....

[10th Mnt Div jdsu]

My vote goes to smaller pts games for beginners.

Something like 800 to 1250 pts enables one to try all sorts of
combinations, keeps the battlefield relatively small for strategic
oversight and enables one to cycle through more games for
learning opportunities. Also, one can than play a TCP game in a
sitting. So fun, but after the initial hook of several months and no
life one just loses the ability to set aside such big chunks of time.

However, like everything else about CM, personal preference
is well... personal preference.

No one size fits all. And certainly, no edict from a cabal of the powers
that be will ensure all newcomers fully appreciate the game.

All we can do is welcome the new, hope they have the desire to improve, and that they can swim with the sharks.