What I think puts of new users:

The acknex engine got more complicated
and offers more options and a more
complex programming language.

This is good of course for experienced users, but
frustrating for new users.
Having limits of freedom (thus less variables)
is actually better to learn a system.

Its far from beeing as easy to handle as
back in the A5 days.
Its and increasing hurdle for beginners to
find out what and how to start copmared to
the old engine/editor builds with limited options.

The templates are also a point that puts beginners off.
They are not easie to grasp, especially not for total beginners.

Conitec also constaly lack behind in self-advertisement
of the engine.
-> the Homepage design, structure and content is uncreative and joyless
-> the included (installation) examples, models and demonstrations
are lacking a lot of potential to make the
engine more appealing. There could be muxh more eyecandy
and usefull startup ressources.
Best example is the "standard.wad", a collection
of 1996 style textures in terrible quality.