I think ardour has moch more potential
than anything out there.
This may be true, but at the moment it's mostly potentially rather
than actually useful for the new user. Audacity is deep once you get
into it, too - especially version 1.2.0-pre1. It works on both
levels.
I also have audio professionals that would
help me figure it out.
They probably won't be able to give you much help with Ardour, unless
they've been using it already.
I usually do not let my kids touch anything
that is easy to use (good brain excersice).
That's perverse - the brain excersize should be in making the music,
not the basic operation of the tools!
Cheers
Daniel