Tom:

I partly agree that many lightweight techniques, particularly those toward the ultralight and sub-ultralight fringes, are not suitable for beginners. They require experience to make-do with minimal amounts of minimally-built gear if the unexpected happens.

However, I do feel that it is appropriate for beginners to start out somewhat lightweight. One side effect of the ultralight movement has been that it goaded mainstream equipment makers to lighten up traditional gear by either using newer materials or eliminating some overbuilding tendencies (does a solo tent really need two doors?)

This means that you can assemble an adequate kit of well-built gear and still keep the base load under 20 pounds, which makes it more comfortable, and therefore more fun, for beginners and experienced hikers alike. (MSR, Granite Gear, Big Agnes, and Snow Peak are just 4 of many mainstream companies that leap to mind.)