So, recommending Bitcoin to someone looks like this right now:

On-Chain: well, that’s the proper way but it can get really expensive really fast and you need to manage your UTXOs. Can’t recommend, at least for the average Joe who just wants to tip toe.

Lightning: well, running your own node is too complicated and using a LN wallet that’s non-custodial can still end up you losing everything because they just stop their service. Can’t recommend anymore.

Exchanges: well, easy and no hustle, but they can rug you. At least they are regulated. But I had a bad experience with Strike already. Don’t want to recommend but looks like the only option for newbies…