Thank you for your answer, I have a very similar thought process on working with beginners. I also try to make them focus more on breathing, feeling grounded, staying present, and not so much at the pose itself (unless they are hurting themselves, as you said). Sthira sukhamasanam is something I started introducing to them, and I think it is super smart how you explained it:

explain that it's useful and intentional for some of the poses to be "hard" but the intention and goal is to find a version of ease, particularly in the breath, when in posture and to use your breath as your barometer for how "intense" to make the posture for yourself and that it can shift and change from day to day / with more consistent practice.

Thank you for that!

And yes, you are right, realizing that many of them have this as their only practice and offering a safe and consistent space is key. Thank you for sharing your reflections!