Yeah, IMO everyone needs to start with a stock rig and wheel the piss out of it until they know it better than the back of their hand. Can't tell you how many times I have seen some rich kid or any idiot with money shell out for a build crawler only to find out they dont know anything about wheeling and end up ruining their rigs, or hurting themselves or others. start stock, work your way up. i had plenty of fun in my truck when it was stock, wouldnt trade those stocker days for anything, taught me a LOT.
Starting stock makes you a well rounded wheeler. Plus just cuz you dont have 40s and 4 links doesnt mean its not fun. Nothing like getting your stock truck in some hairy situation right next to the guy on 38s and still coming out in once piece....