I just started using Joomla a few days ago to help my Dad with his web site. After having used such programs as FrontPage and DreamWeaver in the past, it is mindboggling how easy Joomla is to use in comparison. What can I say - I won't be going back to DreamWeaver any time soon, that's for sure.
I think that Joomla could be used as a way to bridge the gap between those who know a little about comoputers and those who don't. Surely there are lots of small business owners who either don't have the time or the know-how to make their own websites, nor do they have the resources to pay big companies thousands of dollars to create websites. If someone like me were willing to set up a Joomla site and teach an end-user/owner how to add articles, that would put a lot of control back into the owner's hands.
Hope you'll come to some of the user group meetings - we're trying to make it useful to the full range of users, from hobbyists through corporate users.
I don't know if I'll make it to a meeting anytime soon, though I hope to. My issue is that I would need to find babysitting, which is easier for me on the weekends (husband is home) than on a weekday.