For someone starting out ...simple success goes a long way towards confidence building. Propane/Butane cannister type stoves are simple and easy...hard to not be able to get lit and cook stuff. Relatively cheap if you don't get the titanium versions. With some planning you can get pots or cups that hold the cannisters and maximize packing efficiency.
This is my choice as primary stove for my kit and I have also included a cool pop can stove with fuel...which are ridiculously lightweight, though easily damaged if abused. I'm quite fond of having a backup, but like small and lightweight even betetr so this pair works well for me. Especially since both burn so clean ...I've used Esbit stoves as backup before...they work and are cheap (always a good thing) but leave a sticky residue that can be annoying.
I have a Whisperlite too ...its got to be 20 yrs old so doesn't have the sexy new features, but works good. I should try that gauze trick metioned above.
Am considering intergrating a Kelly Kettle as the idea of cooking on top of the kettle while it heats water is pretty cool.
Better to start small rather than the opposite.