[Rampoina]

Can I ask what exactly do you find is a "horrible mess", and why is it bad for beginners to start with Blender? Also, when did you try it?, because it changes considerably fast (to the better).

I started learning CG with 3d Studio Max, and then with Lightwave finally followed by Blender. I haven't tried Maya, but I don't really see that much of a difference between those programs and Blender. (Sure the interface may be a bit worse because it is mostly keyboard driven, but once you get used to it it's very fast)

I know someone who started learning CG with Blender, and even tried other programs and found them worse than Blender so in my anecdotal experience it's good for beginners.

If the issue is that it lacks some features from professional programs, that shouldn't really be a problem for someone learning. If what you're arguing is that the better way to start learning is with the software that is used professionally I don't really see why that should be the case.

You're comparing some specialized packages with Blender, which is not really fair, the comparison there should be Maya vs Blender.

Zbrush for example is an amazing program, and Blender even has a similar sculpting mode although it is obviously much more limited because it's not a specialized program.