I have an aero road bike, and gravel bike, and I really enjoy the gravel bike. It's not that slow. I would recommend a gravel for a newer rider. It requires next to no maintenance, flat tires can really be discouraging for newer riders.
I understand what you guys are saying, but where I am, you have to drive to trail areas. I can ride my gravel bike from my house to trails or paths in my area and its fast enough. I only ride 35 c tires so it's not too sluggish.
anybody doing the Paris to Ancaster race in April? (Ontario gravel race)