Dov, that was a gimmick to get him to learn the rest. That is the context of all the other stories mentioned in the same Gemara.
He has to have a perspective of what the Torah is, Bichsav and Baal Peh. He also has to know practical Halacha, which should be learned in a manner that is not overwhelming and that won’t give the wrong picture of what Mitzvos are.
Chazal say that one should divide his day in three. A third for Mikra, a third for Mishna (Halacha), and a third for Talmud. The Ramchal says that the proportion changes as you master each level.
The advantage of starting with Gemara is that a person connects to it and can enjoy it. Many have succeeded with learning Gemara, even with pre-Teshuvos.