The FX haters are REAL. lol.
I started with a Benjamin Marauder. Still have it. Still LOVE it. Then went on to Air Venturi Avengers. Have both the rifle and bullpup.
Then moved on to FX. Have Impacts and Wildcats. They are definitely a step up in both function and learning curve.
Highly recommend something like the air venturi avenger as your first. For 400-500 bucks you can get a gun that has adjustable hammer spring and regulator. A LOT of bang for the buck. Use it to learn and get an understanding of 'tuning'. If it's something that you love, then step on up to a Brocock, Daystate, FX, etc.