What visual programming languages do is lower the barrier for entry. Once you're hooked, and you begin gaining experience, you will naturally understand the limitations of the platform. By being inquisitive, you will realise that the software used in the real world isn't all built in Scratch. But, to breed that inquisitiveness in children at a young age requires making it accessible.

You, for example, probably very quickly realised that if you wanted to make games with a GUI, QBASIC was not the tool for you, but by the sounds of it, that didn't dissuade you.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that your very first language doesn't matter very much. As a programmer, you will (should) be learning plenty more, so the first one is more about learning how to learn than anything else.