beginner tuning question

I have a question, and I am sure this could be a controversial one, but thought that I would throw this out there:

If you were going to instruct someone in beginning noter drone style of play, which tuning would you start them off with? Would you go with standard Ionian (DAA) or reverse Ionian (DGd)? While I know reverse Ionian is not traditional, the truth is most instruments are set-up DAd unless you specify, and it would be easier to tune the middle string down to G, then the melody down to A. I say that because if you have a string that is high d, and take it down to A, it will flap like a clothes line and not sound good at all. On the other hand, if you got a 155 specific dulcimer (DAA) then it's a non-issue.

Constructive thoughts, opinions welcomed.