Primer and paint allows you to easily match an existing paint color if a sample of theb old color is available for matching. Paint is much longer lasting with less maintenance. Much easier to apply. Easier to spot repair.

I have all stained woodwork in my house - well, not all since it's not done yet. But painting is easier. It's hard to say what you should do without knowing what the rest of your doors and trim look like. I assume they're painted? I wouldn't stain just one door in my house.

Below is an article with some good photos on pine treatment.

But before I would touch a brush to a new door, I'd run a complete sample board from some lumberyard pine -- sand, stain, and finish. Repeat until the results are pleasing or you decide to go with paint.

The cons of staining pine, well, you've already heard -- it's hard to make it look good because it blotches. The con of painting it is that it's hard to make it look good if it has pesky, pitchy knots.

I've done a clear finish, then glaze, and that was pretty easy and looks good. A very country look though. If I keep the doors to that cabinet, I'm going to paint them.