I'm curious to hear how many 10yr olds broke their bikes from so much hardcore trail use. I used to own a few wal-mart bikes in my younger days I road them hard and never had one break on me.
I think you all have just gotten so used to better equipment you make it seem like its the only way to go. I mean yes it is. But for a little kid. Please.
Buy what you can afford for your kid, when he/she gets old enought to work let them buy what they want.