[Etheryte]

While I kind of see where you're coming from, the statement is a bit of an oxymoron. Doing A with bad form has a higher risk than doing B with average form, for pretty much any A or B you pick. I think deadlifts are a good beginner exercise, and can also serve you well in intermediate lifting for some time, but once the plates rack up, it's better to put your attention elsewhere. I agree that having complex movements for absolute beginners is not a good entry point, but I don't think anyone here is advocating for that.

[jashmatthews]

The technical proficiency needed to make powercleans an effective exercise for strength and power development is ridiculous compared deadlifts, which a good coach can teach you to perform safely in a few hours.