This statement summarizes the crux of many issues. "Unfinished features" comprise a much bigger list, and historically the old forum (especially under Gibson) became inundated with work arounds (e.g., "You can achieve that via this convoluted method, so it is already there!") rather than acknowledgement (e.g., "Oh, good point, we can definitely do that better!") and following through on it. This constantly came across as "I have given you a work around, so will forget you ever said anything." That mindset and its implied statement do not coincide with sales, usage, or promotion of a product; and Gibson epitomized this. The former "Feature Request" forum was filled with a plethora of good and detailed ideas, but was locked, and subsequently slid out of public view. I used to review them off and on and think of "what could have been." It amounted to a lot of heart-felt time and effort by users wasted.
The "200+ hours" from the article in the OP strikes home for me as well. Granted, he tried to delve into everything he could, but new users are often beset with a similar time investment. Practical guides for new users is important, especially where common tasks are readily exposed with underlying functionality polished.
[Side comment, potentially related] One thing I find concerning is that this new forum seems to be populated predominantly with members from the old. I *assume* this is open to everyone (perhaps in error), so find it odd that more new members are not present.