If it's a matter of learning the basics of recording, MIDI editing and mixing then the beginner who doesn't want to spend a lot would be better off downloading the trial of Reaper, which has no limitations other than an annoying countdown on startup, and is only $60 for a non-commercial license. 

Drone7
So Avid offers the standard version of Pro Tools for a ridiculous $899, and then tries to entice people into it with what amounts to an extremely restricted tease version. Very lame! This world never ceases to amaze me. I thought I had seen it all lol

Looks like the best value DAW title will be a battle between Studio One and Sonar.

You can get Pro Tools for $699 from Sweetwater (still more expensive than Sonar, I know, but it's not $899).
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PT11Soft-e
 
As a matter of fact, there are options if one needs to run Pro Tools. Pro Tools 11 cost me $298 ($99 for Pro Tools MP and $199 for the upgrade to 11). 
 
Pro Tools being the de facto standard in the industry, I personally think that it's nice that people who don't want to invest $ in it can grab a free version for a one off collaboration. 
 
It is not meant as a replacement for your current DAW, though obviously, there is a marketing strategy behind it. 
 
EDIT: In regards to pricing, the OP was correct - $899 for PT 12, even though 11 is still available for less. See this thread for a better explanation of the pricing and subscription model and what it means for users. http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3167975

Anderton

TerraSin
The smart thing about the way Avid is doing it is they offer it for free for those few projects, then people buy into it cause they now would likely be comfortable using it. Granted, it won't be a huge number that buys into it, but likely enough to make it worth their while to do it that way.

Then it's not much different from a trial version..you get to do some stuff for free, and if you like it, then you can buy it. The biggest problem I have is I'm not comfortable having all my projects stored in the cloud.

+100 Craig.

I was in the market for a rack mounted amp simulator and I found a deal where the Eleven Rack came with PT 11 and PT 10.

I really enjoy working in PT and I'm excited to be working again in SONAR but the transition from SONAR to PT was a mind bender. You have to tell PT everything you want it to do. There is hardly anything that seems automatic. But once you get past the setting up of the I/O you can appreciate what PT can do. But it's not for the "run and gun" types.

AndertonThen it's not much different from a trial version..you get to do some stuff for free, and if you like it, then you can buy it. The biggest problem I have is I'm not comfortable having all my projects stored in the cloud.

While true, it's the way they are promoting it that puts it a step ahead when it comes to the way consumers shop. They see the word "free version" and it's ultimately better in the mind than "trial version". Basic psychology at work to their advantage.
 
I'm half and half on cloud storage. I see the benefits of it but I would want to make sure first the servers are secure, reliable, backed up and that my work will never be held for ransom if the company suddenly decides they want to charge more for services. At the moment, Microsoft unlimited cloud storage that comes with my Office subscription is working brilliantly for me.