Crane Driver

"IMHO, the question should be "will the [whatever] be versatile enough for all the things I may want to do once I've got beyond being a beginner?"

Learning an instrument because it's 'easy to get started on' won't necessarily help you transfer to the instrument you will need later, if your 'simple' instrument doesn't cut it at higher musicianship levels."

"I am not saying that any of the instruments mentioned here are too limited, because I've heard excellent music from all of them"

You have said it so well!

I have a 'Hero' - a Chinese 8 Bass (about 15 key) Piano Accordion, and I can get things out of that little 'toy' that have surprised many 'experts'... as I said, it's got something to do with the nut that holds the steering wheel... :-)

Far too many punters believe that the instrument has something to do with making music... they do nothing when sitting on the shelf...

If you have ever watched Ted Eagan perform on his empty cardboard beer carton, you will understand... :-)