I think teaching beginner linear algebra using matrices representing systems of equations is a pedagogical mistake. It gives the wrong impression that matrices are linear algebra and makes it difficult for students to think about it in an abstract way. A better way is to start by discussing abstract linear combinations and then illustrating what can be done with this using visualizations in various coordinate systems. Once the student understands this intuitively, systems of equations and matrices can be brought up as equivalent ways to represent linear transformations on paper. It’s important to emphasize that matrices are convenient but not the only way to write the language of linear algebra.