I agree. Start with top exchanges and once you really get into it, try lesser known under the radar exchanges.
Once you know the faults of top exchanges, it becomes easier to recognize the features offered by legit lesser known exchanges. Moreover, some smaller exchanges are considerably safer than big exchanges. Liquidity could be an issue in those smaller exchanges but let's admit it, you are not a whale who's going to dump/pump the market. So, DYOR and find an exchange that's good for you.
Let me tell you how my story went.
I started in 2017 with Bitfinex. Moved on Bitmex. Started buying alts on Binance. Tried Kraken, Huobi - didn't like em. Tried Bybit, its alright.
Most of these exchanges lack transparent custody. Nay, all of these exchanges lack transparent custody.
Now, I am trading on FTX (because of the volume) and BBOD (because of the security and leveraged zero fee trading).
If you are a whale, try FTX.
If you are a human and care about security, try BBOD.
If you are a whale and still care about security, try BBOD.
If you are a human and care about the environment, try BBOD. (They plant trees with fees)
Thank me later.
Peace out folks!