Apart from the obvious side effects and therefore needing to be serious about training in the first place, not after a quick fix, I think it has alot to do with form and experience. Taking gear does not guarantee getting big as it has to be done hand in hand with training, diet, rest. If you don't have them things right you are wasting your time as well as exposing yourself to side effects.

I see far too many people get into the sport and leave as they don't have the commitment and then others that keep plodding along throwing the weights about willy nilly. Why recommend steroids to those folks?

I personally see no problem with a newbie taking gear providing they have the rest right, including knowledge. If they have good form and commitment then there is no reason for staying natural for longer than necessary imho. I often wonder how big could I be now if I had my diet and suppliments spot on for all those years in the gym.