You know I'd like to just put in my opinion to all here who I can see are
quite intelligent and knowledegable listeners and have a fine understanding
of music as art.

 From experience, I'd tend to agree that you go with what you may be
interested in as a start as opposed to "forcing" yourself to listen to a
composer and music that you just might not be ready for.  A list is good to
have as reference but hopefully shouldn't be gone through by rote.

I remember a number of years ago I came across a fellow who lived, ate,
worshipped Mahler.  It was Mahler, Mahler and more Mahler.  I wondered who
the heck was this guy Mahler.  I guess he's pretty good.  Well I heard some
of his music and disliked it intensely.  Fast forward a number of years and
I just happened to have a heard a short bit of music by none other than Mr
Gustave.  Hmmm..there's something there.  It was like a light went on.  At
this point, I can't say now that I like everything he wrote but I guess
I've opened up a bit to some of his notes.

What I find very interesting is why does an individual at one time have to
be "estranged" from a composer and his music but be able to respond to him
later on or getting into music which was initially alien on first hearing.
It's not like I'm studying him or something.  I never thought I'd like
"modern" music but I was very puzzled as to why I enjoy some of Bryar's
stuff more than say the "greats" of music eras gone by.  I don't know maybe
some things can't get figured out.

Rich