Why IS-7 for beginners?

Just wanted to give my feedback on the IS-7 go-to recommendation for beginners as a beginner myself.

I have to say, as a noob with around 3k battles, I have made it to the KV-85, am getting close to the IS and I just can't see how this is recommended as the best beginner line. Yes it has solid armor, speed, and guns, but the gun depression is just utterly terrible, and getting to optimal flat locations consistently and smartly takes more map memorization and tactical positioning than many other tanks. I don't know how many times I have gotten the tactical edge on an opponent only toe realize my gun is a degree or two too high or low to benefit from the advantage.

I much prefer my M6 and even my VK 36.01 as a beginner to be honest (although I understand these two lines aren't worth grinding past T29 and Tiger) and am probably going to go American mediums over soviet as my first serious medium grind just because of gun depression alone.

Edit: Oh and before all of the "git gud newb" posts, just wanted to clarify that I don't think that the IS-7 line isn't teaching me things worth learning, and I am getting better at dealing with gun depression. I'm just saying that it definitely doesn't strike me as the most beginner friendly line.