Allowing users to do things

Not finding this particularly intuitive. Easy to add things like xml feeds, but hard to see how users can access them. I can see all at admin and looks very nice, but when I log out and try to see it how a user might see it and use it, it all gets lost ie "You are not authorized to access this page" - even when using something simple like search.
It seems like something teetering on the edge of greatness, but obvious to someone who thinks the same way as the developers, and almost impenetrable to anyone who doesn't.
Steep learning curves are OK if they provide easy use for ordinary people (ie the admin may find it hard, but the user must find it easy). I am not finding it easy, but can see that it would be very good if you are in the same mindset as the developers.
Have a look at
www.food.bryght.net
There is nothing there yet, but I feel like giving up before I begin, unlike other CMS, where I think they are good and only learn later that they are not.
If anyone wants to change things there, you can and if you need permissions let me know.
As I have said, this seems like something good or brilliant waiting to happen. To those who find it intuitive, there will be a gulf of understanding between them and anyone who thinks it arcane and obtuse.
Best wishes to everyone and all they do and hope to achieve.
John