I always read about a recurve being "easier" to start with. Maybe for some people. And not for others.
I think anyone who has the least bit of co-ordination will learn to shoot whatever is put in front of them. And if its tuned right they will learn to shoot it well.
A longbow, especially a nice light one, will instill a love of trad archery like no other device. More lore, history, and just plain mojo reside in a longbow than any other arrow casting device. Thats what I believe anyway.
Joshua