The Stigmatization of Old Worlds (and Some Thoughts on the Ladder System)

After recently having two keepers tell me that they would NEVER get any old world tarantulas because they are "too dangerous", it got me thinking. Have we, as a hobby, gone too far in trying to caution folks against the faster, more venomous species? Are they really that dangerous to keep? Also, some thoughts on the "ladder system", and how it may not work for everyone.