I know opinions are split on this, but I really, really like Tier 1 runes for when Tier 3 are just ridiculously expensive and I want to try out something new.
A full Tier 1 page is, like, what 800 IP or something?
I asked this same question months ago, and here's the issue.
The Tier 1 runes you buy have nearly no impact on the gameplay in comparison to the Tier 3 runes. 800 IP is Ip that can go towards 2 400s or 4 200 Tier 3 runes.
The argument was "Hey, I want to try a new strategy without spending too much", but the problem is that the runes are so weak that at Level 30 play, they dont change your gameplay in a significant way for you to determine if they are good or not.
The only reason we let new players buy them is because learning how the rune system works is essential for learning the game. Tier 1 runes are made for that, they are teaching tools.
Just buy Tier 3, you'll make the IP back. Yoy can combine them later to gamble for some quints if you end up not using them.