re: Grill recommendations for a beginner essentially?

Yes. Webber gas grills will outlast 3 or 4 of anything else. They are a much thicker grade of metal, the top on my Genesis 2 is a heavy cast aluminum, double walled, and much heavier duty than the others. In ten years I've been through 3 or 4 other brands. My dad still has his Webber gas he bought 11 years ago. Its had one burner change, and the metal still shines. He cleans once a year and keeps the cover on it. Gas and charcoal are better at different things. If you want to bar b que chicken, ribs, brisket etc, you can't beat coal fired pits. Fish, chicken breasts, hamburgers, shrimp, fajitas etc are better suited for gas. Thin chops or steaks I throw on the grill. Quality steaks from the meat market go on the Egg.