People are always going to do what they want regardless of what more experienced people tell em... You can lead the horse to water... I think you should take the approach that irregardless of what you and others feel is right and wrong they are gonna do it!! I do agree with you SVP but you gotta look at it realistically. I can tell you the sky is blue but youre still going to go outside and check for yourself. Again you are right he isn't ready for gear, but is he going to do it? Yes!