In general and if you don't know the person you're making the recommendation to, agreed. But I know several people I'd definitely recommend (and have recommended) Arch to as the first distro. Even just the installation process is so educational, it's a worthy starting point, after some general youtube videos perhaps. If someone just wants to take Linux for a quick test drive, Arch definitely isn't the way to go.
Although, I'll admit I'm not sure how to describe the type of people I'd recommend it to. If their interest is less practical, and more theoretical. Or if they get really into their hobbies and like to tinker and poke at things to see what happens. Or if they just have an endless curiosity and need to understand. Surprisingly many people I know fall into these categories.
No idea who that is, but I'm still leaving an upvote just for the template and beating of kids. >:)