It really is worth learning migrations. It's very easy once you know basic syntax and you'll really thank yourself for doing it once you get going on a sizeable application.
I'd also argue that new developers should start using best practices from the start. This includes using migrations, testing, version control etc. If you start using these things right away, you'll be a far better developer - even if it means a few growing pains.
Steve
Hey Surf,
I considered the same decision when I started with Rails a year ago. Migrations are totally worth learning, even for a beginner on simple projects. In development, you'll find you end up changing the DB a lot... and these are a lifesaver.
In terms of populating the your database with test data, I found that the "best practice" way of using YAML fixtures was actually not so hot for my applications. It can be very time consuming if you have lots of foreign keys. To go along with Migrate, I ended up building something custom called Populate that helps you fill your database with test data (it has steps just like migration does).
-Pete