My 2 cents worth:

For newbies, I really think it will depend on whether or not you fly off a grass field, and what shape that field is in.

The newbies at my field break props on thier trainers with and without nose wheels.

Field conditions most of the time: variable wind speed/direction, medium thermals. Both runways are in decent shape now (sodded, low cut) with high prarie grass next to it (min. 6" tall).

Their biggest problem is missing the runway (nosewheel being ripped off by high grass), and, of course hard landings (breaking nose wheel off or pushing it underneath fuselage).

In this case, the tail dragger will win out. If they miss the field, the damage is minimized. If they land hard, they usually just bend the mains.

As far as taking off, I don't see enough difference to really matter.