There are no beginner's tools. There are things you like to use, and things you don't. Some people prefer a challenge. Others just want to do the thing as easily as possible. Neither way is wrong. Don't let anyone gatekeep how you like to enjoy your vehicle. You paid 40k+ for the thing, use every feature you want regardless of the judgments of others.
There are diehards out there that will try to convince you using an automatic transmission off-road is cheating.