My experience, by using the complete install, about 105MBytes, is that the process is easy. Of course, I use the Windows version, so there may be some differences in the install process. My problems are with the details of LyX usage, not getting it to run. Also, I could load the documentation .lyx files, and use them to produce PDFs. I have obtained benefit by writing LaTeX directly but, that does not mean that LyX provide no benefit. Indeed, LyX is now proving useful in the placement of figures ... though some difficulties remain.
Bottom line - I think LyX is a fine idea, and an aggressively improving product, and the WYSIWYG promise is probably not far off. Some have stronger skills, and know more of the product, and so have fewer problems. Others are not so well equipped; we are busy learning. The rant of William B. King is a bit unbecoming of a university professor. wrb
