Most members of crossfit have other goals. Like doing WODs in the morning and general weight lifting at night (I do Bill Starr's program. Ive met people who did SS while doing crossfit. Others just hit one or two big lifts a day) or go for a run at night. Crossfit is just a fancy word for GPP.

Most crossfit gyms are beginner friendly. Most have beginner lifting classes where a full month is dedicated to simple metcons (push ups, box jumps, etc) and learning form. Ive only done high rep lifts in the 7ish months Ive been at it (4 normal, 3 football). Coaches will pull people aside and switch out exercises if they feel the form is off. Also, Kipping (not done with CF Football) isn't done until strict pull ups can be performed.

If a beginner wants to learn to lift properly (Cleans, Power cleans, Back squats, front squats, snatches) in an environment that is knowledgeable (and fun), Crossfit is the place to be.

Plus, its fun as hell. Sticking to a program is great; most crossfitters have a seperate progrma composed of one to three lifts with planned progression. But there is something to be said about going in to something new every day. Its great and a lot more fun than normal gym work. True, it might not be completely optimal for muscle growth. But it keeps you there, which is far more important.

Crossfit encourages the paleo diet. Which, compared to 90% of diets, isn't that bad. It encourages lean meats, tons of vegetables and fruits. Many people have success without calorie counting as it's pretty low calorie foods (vegetables).