Easier -beginner Backcountry boarding or skiing?

I am primarily a bc splitboarder and occasional ATer if I'm feeling adventurous. I would have to agree with most that you can reach backcountry proficiency faster on a snowboard, but thought I would throw in some (not all) of the cons to snowboarding in the backcountry as food for thought.

1. You are constantly having to explain to non-backcountryers just what the hell kind of equipment they're looking at

2. Excessive traversing on flat terrain is a bummer even with a splitboard.

3. Equipment heavier, requiring higher level of effort.

4. Can't look cool ripping off your skins at the top of the hill and heading down all without taking skis off.

5. And perhaps the worst, especially when you're learning to backcountry board on more moderate terrain, is that when you fall down in the deeper snow generally found in the bc, it can be damn near impossible to get yourself righted again without taking the board off and trying to start the whole process over. If you're also just learning to ride a snowboard, I imagine that it could get pretty frustrating pretty fast.

So I also agree that putting in some lift and groomer time might be the best way to start no matter which way you decide to go, it will save a lot of frustration (and potentially your marriage ; ) If you go snowboard I would pick terrain and conditions carefully, not the tree run in 2 feet of fresh powder. And yes I do check out the tele chicks : ) Sorry this rant is probably no help at all.

Thanks for the replies guys,
SKierhiker: you're right, I suppose you would need to be both a skier and boarder and previous teacher to respond, good point.
kneeltuner: I forgot to mention that I telly too, there's no way in hell I'm teaching someone to do THAT in the backcountry... hahahaha. No offence but: hahahahah...
Uh... TellySavalas, sorry I should have been clearer, as Marcus suggested, I wasn't talking about taking a rank beginner and forgoing the lifts to get them sliding. My question was given all things equal, would it be easier getting someone to be happy, and somewhat proficient in the backcountry on skis vs. a snowboard.
marcus: bingo, you do have some teaching days at the resort, but you just want to get them in the powder really really bad, because that's what you like doing yourself, a lot.
oftpiste: also bingo.
AKRefuge: excellent point about the falling in the deep snow. Although the beginner wallowing in powder with skis on is not pretty, doing this with a board on is downright ugly.