A beginner buying for themself might not, but a grandparent buying a grandkid their first rocket? There are definitely some who will do that.The argument is that Estes is targeting the beginner or new guy that is just getting into to the hobby. While this is true for with the smaller kits, that argument goes out the window when you start talking models in the $60-$70 and up price range. Beginners are not buying Saturn V or the new Shuttle as their first or second rocket.
(Just like a lot more people will buy a $300 pen as a gift than will buy one for themselves.)