Should beginning writers have other persons critique their works?

The question comes up again and again at our meetings of the Murray Writers Support Group: that  of whether and how fledgling writers should get some else, presumably another writer, to critique their poetry or prose. Having someone critique one’s work can be helpful, but hazardous. Hazardous because there are too many egocentric persons who love to make themselves look impressive by slashing another’s writing. Such persons are dangerous when the beginning writer assumes that they are indeed qualified and honest in their assessments.  I know of one woman who had her story read by members of a writers’ group. One or more persons so bitterly verbally shredded her work that she did not return to a meeting and did not attempt to publish fiction for 10 years. Now she has written many novels and runs her own publishing company. Hence, getting someone to critique your work is not easy. I believe a good course is for two beginning writers who know and trust each other to work together. That way neither can assume the role of master craftsman; both should see themselves as beginning writers, attempting to help one another’s work.  Then, too, as one guest speaker emphasized at a meeting, she does mind a person’s pointing out errors and flaws, just so long as the reader does not correct the words, thereby presenting him or herself as an expert.  This lady asked for readers to point out errors and weak spots, but to let her herself make the corrections, if they are needed.  I think a better method is the one I used: making myself my own critic.  So many people cannot be counted on to give an honest assessment.