[jrootabega]

In my experience, this is one possible path for getting "into" Emacs:

1. Having a need for something where Emacs is one of the best. E.g. outline folding, git gui, etc.

2. learning the basic shortcuts and concepts; doing the basic config to remove any problems

3. deep customization and creation.

If you don't have the need (#1), I wouldn't worry about it. If you do and you try it out, I agree #2 can be a little discouraging, but not too much. You can also usually make it easier by learning only the concepts and then using the gui menus to navigate. You can skip #3, or at least delay it. At this point, it's still just a tool like most others, and that's fine. I think #3 is what you're thinking of. That's what tends to get written and blogged about.