I learned pickleball last year in Avalon - very welcoming. I started with beginners/intermediates, then was encouraged to move up to advanced - again, very welcoming. Unlike the experience of one spouter, I’ve rarely seen any rudeness or incivility, except for one person, on occasion. I have seen people try to start with the advanced group, and that can go poorly for everyone involved. Beginners will fare better beginning with other beginners.