Thats a reasonable idea depending on the wind and the flier's understanding of the wind and skill. My first traction kite was a peter lynn s-arc 840 in 2002-3 so I was using the same logic, but I was in a very light wind area. i.e. 12 knots was a good day. And even though I had spent quite some time flying 2 line delta stunt kites before that that kite received a lot of abuse. And then there was the time it dragged me across a field on my stomach or the time it almost dragged me into some power lines. Things are a lot better now but some of those small kites are pretty strong. One big plus about an open-cell foil is you can always crash it for emergency depower. And the foil will take a beating. One big plus about a small SLE is you can also practice waterlaunch. And if you buy a Kitefix kit and then you will also be able to practice repairing a blown out leading edge.
FWIW I think an ATB/Mountainboard is a good choice first board unless you live within 30 minutes of the water and have reliable wind. Its great to learn the principles of going upwind while you are dry and need less power and don't have to worry about the body drag or the relaunch or the swim. Just my opinion.
Jake