I would consider going the EtD route for all the reasons you mentioned. There is a bit more of a 'learning curve' (but not drastically so!) on the EtD vice using the DMX dongle, but nothing that is too daunting. I can give you advice on what works since I just went through this with my daughter last year. I would recommend that you teach her Vixen and the basics of sequencing (how to get the profiles working, how to preview, how to setup the computer and channels etc). I would then teach her a few of the plug-ins (taptempo etc.) and have her sequence some small songs. Key is to keep her challenged. If her time is not available all the time, make sure to keep a few small side projects that she could help with. Maybe something like you have seuqenced all the things except a few key elements and have her do those when she can.