[camccann]

If you're turned off by typing lines and lines of code with semicolons and complex syntax, then maybe the root issue is that computer programming just isn't for you.

...either that, or you program in Scheme. </snark>

Seriously, though, I doubt most programmers enjoy "semicolons and syntax" for their own sake; we use programming languages because they allow us to create programs. The purpose of making programming more appealing at superficial levels is not to banish the semicolons and syntax forever, it's to introduce people who might otherwise be put off by that aspect to get a taste of programming anyway. If they find they like it, the "serious" stuff will still be there.

There's a difference between "make this appealing to people who will never like it" vs. "make this appealing to people who might like it, but would be scared off by superficial aspects".