I like the special version treatment that Nintendo has given some NES games on the Switch Online thingy. Why not let somebody start Zelda loaded up with items? Whether you're a beginner who needs the help, or a grizzled Zelda vet who just wants to goof around, it's just another way to experience and have fun with the game.
Games that are primarily story driven might as well have a TOC menu that lets you play whichever chapter of the story you want. It doesn't necessarily have to be linear if you don't want it to be.