Yeah introducing new players has always been difficult, teaching the very basics so that the newbie understands the turn structure and the 'outline' of how to play, so they can then focus on asking questions on how to do this, or can this be done, rather then staring at the table like Oo is quite the task. Money is another huge issue, its stupid. Some wanted a 1500pt army retail, $1500 easily. (Capable tournament style list, with additions to change up the list) Maelstrom and friends made it affordable for normal people.
Games workshop have given up everything - they no longer do ANY tournament support, yet they still 'try' to insist that TO's use purely GW models and thank them at closing ceremonies (no joke...). Of course that rule was scrapped when GW pulled out its last few pitiful vestige of support, now mantic models are filtering into fantasy and replacement armies are flocking the scene. For instance at my last fantasy tourney, (Empire in Flames) there was a guy with a Roman 'Empire' army, not sure what company made the minis, but it was a nicely painted and cool themed 2400pt army that cost him around $300 I think.
It will be quite commonplace in the near future for WM/H models to be acceptable in the scene, the main reason its frowned upon now is because of the rivalry between the players. A base swap, an a few magnetised weapon options and hey presto. I would love to do a Cataphract terminator army, and hey, I probs will!
Do I regret playing GW games? Not a chance! I love the game, I've played it for nearly a good half of my life. Do I regret bringing other people into the game? Only if they regret it. Am I a fan boi? Yes, yes I am. Actually, that's a 'was a fan boi'
I will continue to play the games, with a main emphasis on fantasy, but other systems are most def on my mind, such as hordes.
