The great thing about AG is its pretty hard to make bad beer I've found.
I get what you're saying Al and I think you’re maybe comparing AG vs canned kit
But good sanitation, temp control and a proper healthy yeast pitch are even more important than stepping up to AG imo. I have friends that brew partial mash and make as good beers any AG beer. It’s a good step up from the kits and good practice before going AG. OBK now carries a great variety of good quality extract. Brewer's Best kits are also very well made.
When somebody ask me how to brew, I make them do a few festabrew first to get the hang on sanitation and basic steps, then do some kits, then custom partial mash and finally all grain.
I know I live a bit far but anyone and their friends are welcome to my place for a brew session. This summer I’ll brew almost every Thursday night and every time it’s like a meeting with sampling etc Feel free to crash at my place