Blue .:
This same feeling seems to be held by a lot of the top lineages including Goenka's, Mahasi's, and Ajahn Chah (I think..).
Hi Blue,
It may be that Goenka, Mahasi, Chah seem like "Dry Insight" compared to folks like Pa Auk, but concentration is pretty strong in "dry insight" lineages as well. Goenka asks students to dedicate a third of all retreats to anapana, and Mahasi instructs to use the breath as a primary object throughout the practice.
So it may be that they can be seen as "dry insight" compared to Jhana-heavy teachings, but without concentration one cannot progress, therefore building concentration seems pretty important on the path of Morality, Concentration (*), and Insight.
So to me, the sentiment expressed in the quote:
I came to the conclusion that for beginners, it's probably better to start first with concentration
Seems pretty correct, as attempting to start insight without some level of calm and concentration seems quite impossible.