Yes, the biggest strength of PHP is that anyone can pick it up quickly... which means anyone will. There are "best practices" but they're not necessary to get the job done.
I usually recommend that new developers start with Python. It teaches structure and consistency without as much variation or room to screw up.
Tell people to code it in Java or C, preferably in vim.
Advantage: they'll never create a mess that you'll have to maintain.
/s
Yes, I totally agree with you: the advantage of PHP is that anyone can pick ut up, and they have done.
The question was often never if it should be coded in PHP or Java but if it should be coded at all and, if so: if it should be an excel file on a file share or sent in email or a php script.
Disclaimer: PHP and Java coder. I can get stuff done quickly in Java, but it takes some practice.
I usually recommend that new developers start with Python. It teaches structure and consistency without as much variation or room to screw up.