My friend's kids, who are both at least MG, have done well with suzuki violin and viola. Her son, who is 12, is youngest 1st chair at his school's orchestra (he plays with older grades). I don't think he actually does suzuki anymore, but he started off with it when a youngster.
I don't like the idea of it either, though (not actually playing the instrument). I'm all for instant gratification! We're thinking of starting DSnearly5 in piano this spring. I took piano lessons as an adult, and boy-oh-boy i wish i had taken them as a child! I was awful!
