Looking at ten cards and adding three cards from them to your hand is fantastic, and lets you pick out whatever cards you need for any given game state
In addition, each booster pack guarantees at least one ex card
What you should consider: This starter kit is not ideal for players who already know the basics of Magic: the Gathering
When attaching Energy, place it under the Pokemon (on your side) so that it is clear how many Energy cards have been attached
I can tell you, though, that these three sets had better odds than just about anything in more recent times, as Wizards figured out how to balance individual variations and lower chances
If you have the cards (or the budget to buy some), then playing in person can be a fun way to learn the game and interact with people