We have the edited Search help page up, thanks to Jeff. Yes, it's complicated and meant for people who want to do advanced searches. If people want to do less-complicated searches, they'll find instructions and a Mudcat Primer in the FAQ/Newcomer's Guide, in the very first message - complete with demonstration graphics.
I'm sorry, but we just can't be all things to all people. They may have to look around a bit, and find some things out for themselves. If they fail to see the FAQ/Newcomer's Guide at the very top of the Forum Menu, where can we put it so it would be more obvious?
-Joe Offer-