Ehhh, I disagree. I took them for the first time with with one of my best friends who had never done them either. We were with all of my lifelong friend from my hometown, and I had an incredible time. I would say if you plan on doing them, do them in a familiar place, with people you are very comfortable with. The 4th time I did them, I ate 5g, and I was around people I didn't know. I started to get really nervous, and couldn't form sentences.... it was fucked up. Once we left that place, and I was with all of my buddies again, I started having a great time.
Having someone there who has tripped before may or may not be beneficial. If they are one of your buddies, that you're close with, then sure, I think it's a great idea.