Well I guess I'll be the one to fire the first shot lol.
I will be focusing more on transmitters here because of my limited knowledge on the difference between the receivers (and the fact that other brands make receivers that will be compatible with these transmitters, like lemon rx).
If you want to just get started in the hobby, the Flysky FS-i6X is probably one of the best transmitters you can choose, because it isn't too expensive and you get a lot for your money. Spektrum does make entry level transmitters, but honestly they way under deliver for the price in that range.
If you want to get a more expensive transmitter with more features, then Spektrum. Spektrum transmitters are more expensive, but they are very good quality, easy to use, reliable, and the costumer service you will see from them is some of the best in the business. They have fixed my DX8 multiple times for me, and every time it was all simple interactions and it was pretty cheap. The first time they didn't even charge any money since it was just a broken switch (they updated the tx too which is nice).
Some people will say that Spektrum will have less range, but any Spektrum transmitter will still fly your plane farther than you can see and way farther than you would need unless you do real long range stuff.
Fore more information on transmitter brands (and for more options), check this thread out:
https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/which-transmitter-you-should-buy.37966/
Also, all of the jokes about starting a war are because transmitters can be a very controversial topic in this hobby. Many of the arguments that I have seen in this hobby are centered around transmitter brands.
I see you are a new member so welcome to the FT Forums and the RC family! Don't be afraid to ask any questions, even if it does start a flame war, we may all learn from it.