We've had the discussion about the AN8008 or other cheap multimeters elsewhere on the forums many times. I feel that a beginner should have more leeway than a more advanced tinkerer, simply because he doesn't quite know how to stay out of trouble yet. You can't ask a young player to stay away from danger if he doesn't quite know how.
A good example was also given: a car battery typically is only 12 volt, but can push a massive amounts of amps. A novice might equate the low voltage to low current and absolutely melt his multimeter or leads in a violent fashion.