Since the electrics have matured, I'd say learn with the electrics, then migrate to nitro. Unless one is into half-A, the larger planes tend to rekit themselves easier. Once someone has learned to control an electric park flyer, it is just that much easier to move up. Plus, the trainer systems are much more affordable, giving a person stick time before dorking that electric.

Even with 2 channels, one learns one of the hardest perception problems, left versus right coming and going, interactivity of controls (more rudder causes nose to drop, pick up speed), judging landings, deadstick flying, etc.