I agree with both of you, and believe me I've heard the whole "learn to lead" thing several times. Of course I want to learn to lead. I've been climbing for a mere 5 months, so it's not like I've been dragging my feet on leading - I think now is about the right time. BUT, one can't "learn to lead" without partners or help or guidance (or gear!, which I don't have b/c I'm B.R.O.K.E.). Still, I don't see why not leading is such a problem. I can't climb crazy hard stuff, but I can climb moderate stuff. I have been out with a handful of friendly folks, but I'm just still getting to know folks in the climbing community and don't have any regular friends or partners that automatically make plans with me, so I have to keep asking around. I'm not as frustrated as I may sound, just antsy to get on the rock. Maybe I'll just have to solo.....
I have a cupple of sugestions. Get a solo device, if you can use one, and boulder. you don't need a partner, and it keeps your chops up Personaly I HATE to solo, and I don't realy like to boulder either, but I do both if I have to get out and no one can go with me. My regulare climbing partner goes out of town on buisness alot, but she is kind enough to lend me her gear if she isn't going to be arround.