It's refreshing to see a lack of gear snobbery in the forums here. On other sites it seems like players who have a year or two of experience under their belt forgot what it was like to start out.
They forget that most people who want to learn guitar aren't willing to make a large investment financially in something that they may get bored with, or be unable to make a large investment. So the second someone mentions "Starter Pack" they're usually met with dozens of "expert" opinions as to why they shouldn't buy said pack. (One older gentleman was told to buy a Mexican Strat and amplifier x, which would have run him close to 6 times what he planned to spend.)
In my experience, I haven't really had any major issues with any of the starter packs I've bought. About a year ago I decided to re-start playing bass, I could have picked up a high-end bass but was surprised by the Squier P bass. So I picked up the starter pack and it does just fine for goofing off at home and the jam sessions with the neighbor.
When I decided to start learning guitar I once again turned to Squier with their Stratocaster. Once again I was surprised and found that it's been a reliable guitar. Stays in tune well (with only minor adjustments after sitting a while). The amp does what a cheap amp is supposed to do (although I would use it for a small venue if I get to that stage). My only "gripe" was that it felt "tiny" to me. So while picking up parts for my Rogue (my workhorse guitar that was dirt cheap), I decided to try a Les Paul and fell in love.
[br]I like the flatter, wider neck (easier for my big fingers to fret) and the deeper tone. Went to the store for machine heads and came back with another guitar starter kit. Even though she has some issues, I love my Les Paul just like my other guitars. They're family and I hate when people think that "price = better".
We, as musicians, make the music. Our instruments are just tools that we use to express that music and a good musician knows how to make his/her tools work to their best ability. (Just google "Zakk Wylde plays Hello Kitty Guitar" for proof.) I've played good instruments (expensive bass guitars) to improvised instruments (a stand up bass made of a 2x4, some .50 cal casing as nut/bridge and two ammo cans as resonance chambers while in Iraq) in my 20+ years as a bassist. Yet, no matter how funky the sound, I've always managed to have the music I play effect my audience somehow.
[br]The moral of this story my fellow new guitarists: You get out of your guitar the music that you put into it. If you know your guitar, you'll sound just fine.
[br]**Disclaimer**
Sometimes you'll get a lemon and not realize it, but it's up to you to decide if you want to fix it or replace it. Just don't badmouth its brothers/sisters because of one bad experience you had (or what other people say). And sorry for rambling.
[br]Now go eat cookies and make some beautiful music.
What is this "strumming" of which you speak?
Fender Squier Affinity HSS Stratocaster "Kelli"[br]Epiphone Les Paul Special-II LE "Callie"[br]Rogue RA-090 Concert Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar "Theresa"