I sound like a contrary bugger, but I get the feeling sometimes that we may as well rename "Beginners start here" to "Just buy an 8inch Dob"
But I don't think that is always the right answer for everyone, expectations and practicalities are different for everyone, and if you are not isolated then I reckon spending money before going to a club night and looking at some actual gear in action is nuts, no matter which way you jump.