Can you expand on what you mean by 'intimidating'? If its a community thing, then there's not much we can do about it. But if its something with the functionality that can be fixed, we would appreciate some feedback so that we can address it.
No no no, It's not bad. That's why I don't like using the word, but it's really the most accurate one. I'll us an example. Recently, I saw one of my classmates using an off-brand Reddit iPhone app, so I said "Why don't you get Alien Blue? It's features are great, and it's even great without getting the paid version." too which he responded, "Yeah, it's pretty nice but it doesn't let me do this." So he's on r/funny, and this app lets him open a photo, go to the next photo with a tap, then the next with a tap, etc. So then I go "but.. but.. the best part of Reddit is the community! You can't even see the title, let alone the comments!" and he goes "Oh no, no I just think a lot of these photos are funny." Hubski doesn't let you quick scroll photos, even if this was a photo oriented website (thank God it's not). The discussion and the community, and in a way the interface require commitment. It's perfect.