I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choices in the wiki. Perhaps someone would be so kind as to recommend the best (simplest, least dangerous) extraction tek for a first timer?

There's the Q21Q21's Vinegar/Lime A/B Extraction Tek

and the BLAB - The Big Leisurely A/B this tek will yield jungle fumarate or full sprectrum extract fm.

Noman's

or just search for "easiest tek for beginers" in the search function.

seconded... nomans tek - can't get easier than that.

Q21 drytek is easy but may not yield a clean product. The only good food is that it only use food safe base and and solvent.
BLAB isn't very easy for a first timer (FASI and CArbo sat. water freebase precipitation isn't always successful from what is reported-however it's a very clean spice yielded).
I would suggest Noman's too.

Noman's FTW