I have used a A/B push/pull split many times in the past with great success. I think one of the things that you will find as you progress is that you will no longer be able to support the frequency of work as the weights get to the advanced level. Lets say an advanced lifter is bench pressing around 400, squatting around 500 and deadlifting around 500.
For example, when I powerlifted I used the 5X5 method exclusively which is basically a full body routine three times weekly. After a few years I was pushing some very heavy weights, in the advanced level I described above. This became very difficult to recover from in the latter part of the 5X5 and specifically when I extended out to a 3X3 with singles. My joints simply could not deal with that level of strain that often. I tried using milk squats routines (20 rep sets with 5 rep weight) and further periodizing the 5X5 but that only extended it for a little longer.
I ultimately switched to a push / pull split, four days per week and was able to advance yet even further along with a little less strain on the system.
My A routine was all pushing exercises for chest, shoulders, triceps and quads while my B routine was pulling movements for traps, lats, biceps and hamstrings.
I used a Heavy/Light/Light/Heavy day scheme. My Heavy days would target about 2-3 working sets in a 3 - 6 rep range. My light days targeted 3 - 4 working sets in the 8 - 12 rep range. I would still perform singles on my heavy days to maintain the neurological strength.
I would think that a new lifter could even use a push / pull right from the beginning but from my experience that is not really the optimal way to build your foundation of strength. The full body workout is the way to go for the beginner to intermediate lifter. Then switch over to a split routine once you have built a sound foundation of strength.
I would imagine that once you have built your strength and size up far enough to your liking that you may even consider adopting a more traditional Body Building routine using a full body split over five or six days with a lot of volume. I have used this technique as well and was able to carve out some nice definition and muscle seperation using shocking techniques and the like. I also was much more vascular during this.
So the first questions you have to ask yourself is what are your goals? How far do you want to take the sport? How big is big enough?
Realize that this is a lifestyle change as much as a hobby. This takes a long time to make progress but if you keep plugging away you will see that progress accumulate.
Make small goals for yourself and work towards each goal, then make new goals just a little bit greater. Take pleasure in each small accomplishment for that is all you get in the immediate. The sum of all these little accomplishments will add up to your ultimate goal, realizing the self-image you strive for.
