Is it just me or is there a lot of people suggesting a new straight user to go with a 3" strop?

In my personal opinion a 3" strop is not the best for a beginner. A 2.5" would be better. I see people saying to get a 3" so you don't have to learn the x-stroke while stropping. IMHO it's completely the wrong line of thought. The x-stroke is very important to know. If you learn to strop with an x-stroke you learn a better technique, therefore you will have better results.

If you learn to just go straight up and back you may miss some of the blade. That also transitions into honing if you choose to learn.

To sum up, I personally think learning to strop on a 2.5" strop is the best way to learn. Then once you have experience try something new.

Of course this is just my opinion and a pet peace of mine.