Back at a conference, someone said, "There are no free lunches." I agree. But how about paying a small amount and you get to have the lunch and dessert as an assortment? Above that, you're entertained as a privileged guest.
Simple does not mean 'newbie friendly', instead it means that the system is structured in such a way that a user can easily configure it to his liking by changing simple configuration files and installing just what he needs.
The key to promote Linux effectively not only lies with Linux enthusiasts but also with Open Source vendors who are yet to find out a way in which it can be monetized efficiently to expand recognition amongst its probable user base.