Yes, you absolutely do need true full duplex to (a) know you're getting in, (b) not step on anyone else, (c) know when you're being stepped on, all of which are really required to operate effectively and courteously.
Let's not excessively gatekeep things. Someone who is curious and wants to try a satellite once shouldn't need to buy new equipment. A dumb HT with a simple whip is enough; just keep your transmit duty cycle low and try hard to not step on people.
If I followed this advice a couple decades ago I'd never have gotten into operating sats. Yes, now that I'm equipped for FD I'd never operate without it, but..
If I followed this advice a couple decades ago I'd never have gotten into operating sats. Yes, now that I'm equipped for FD I'd never operate without it, but..