Originally Posted by: neil.sklarI'm wondering whether there's a reason not to mess around with alternate picking when practicing the beginner exercises ...[/quote]

There is no reason to avoid it as long as you are not overwhleming yourself!

[quote=neil.sklar]...was alternate picking left out just to keep things simple at the beginning, or intentionally left for later because getting into that too early can lead to bad habits?

It's about keeping things as simple as possible for beginners.

In early learning stages it is sometimes all a beginner guitarist can do just to cleanly articulate the notes and stay in time. :) So, anyway you can get that happening is fine.

If you are able to add alternate picking into your practice routine without getting overwhelmed, then go for it. As long as you can do it cleanly & clearly with a natural, relaxed & smooth motion, it will not lead to bad habits.

I have some beginner tutorials on picking techniques.

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=742

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=743

Hope that helps. Please ask more if necessary & best of success!