I think the reason the LMH can take crashes so well is the fact there is a smaller motor to power it.
There is a big difference between a boom strike with a size 30 and a .06 motor.
Yes fix pitch is easier to set up. But it is not easier for a beginner to fly. Don't take my word for it, post your question in the beginners forum (fix pitch vs collective pitch) and see what the response is.