My one is not responsive with the slim bearing. Get a velocity.
I only have a single question about the Starter Set, is that the ONE?
I thought so at first, but maybe it’s one like the one in here:
http://shop.yoyoexpert.com/product/451/YoYofactory-tour-Pack-TWO
I think I remember someone calling them something else (but I forget what it was)
Double loop the string around the bearing or put a drop of thick lube in the bearing and it should get responsive for you pretty fast.
I dont want it to be responsive 
Hmm…I wouldn’t want to give somebody a yoyo I haven’t heard too much about, but otherwise the entire set looks promising. I may consider that as well.
Get a YYJ Kickside. It’s perfect for learning. Any of the stars will do just let your friend pick the one he thinks looks cooler.
It’s basically a one with a different shape.
Regarding the Velocity, I find that it has a lot of vibe in full responsive mode, but is quite nice for unresponsive play. I’d recommend a ONE over a Velocity for someone just starting out. The Velocity has a nice texture, but the WHiP has an even nicer one, for maybe a little cheaper. The WHiP is unresponsive only, but is really fun to play with. Keep in mind that the Velocity has a small bearing, so you friend wouldn’t be able to experiment with different bearings on his different throws quite as easily.
Both the ONE and the WHiP are quite light. I’m playing with the idea of putting some flowable silicone in my ONE to see how it changes the play. My ONE was pretty noisy with the stock bearing. I put a General-Yo AIGR bearing in it and now it’s much dreamier. Mine has a medium amount of vibe, and you can see where the plastic has some slight imperfections.
I personally love the Grind Machine, and like the Protostar. The surface of the GM is wonderful for stationary grinding, while the Protostar has quite a bit of grip and likes to climb. But you can’t really do IRGs on the GM unless you have very slim fingers.
All the choices you listed are good ones. So the advice to get the one he likes best is spot on.
I just picked up a Velocity and I actually like it quite a bit. In responsive mode, it reminds me of being back in the 90s with my responsive Fireball yoyos I had. It can loop as it has center weight. In unresponsive mode, it reminds me of a clean, single pad FH 2010 with the narrowness.
It’s light but feels solid, and it’s fast. I’ll probably write a review on it after.