What should we recommend to absolute beginners when it comes purchasing Eth?
Coinbase seems like the safest choice, but the need for bank numbers or a photo ID could dissuade someone who has never received a token before.
On the other hand, nearly everything out there is a scam.
What method/exchange/company would you suggest to make the ethereum buying process as easy as possible while minimizing the risk of scams?
Shapeshift is one of the supposed best answer here but they already changed their terms.
Looks like the only method that is fit to this will be purchasing it via Localbitcoins or just follow the terms of KYC of exchanges since you have no choice. To minimize the risks of being scammed, then only choose an exchange that already established a good name in crypto industry. Still not an assurance that everything will be safe and smooth but at least you gambled in a reasonable one.