I just can't seem to figure out on how to use either of them to communicate. IRCs don't save older messages, but instead logs them. And I guess for the same reason, it is impossible to discuss anything in depth.
Mailing list is really hard to read, as it is nowhere similar to forum or tree-style comments. I can't figure out what mailing list to message to.
I have to be honest, and no offense to GNU folks, but I am really not enjoying this barrier to entry. This cognitive overload is something I'm not comfortable with.
He's not wrong though. If IRC and mailing lists fall into the too-hard basket, id hate to think of where GNU-style C code falls. Bottom of the too-hard cliff?
Yes they are wrong.
A contribution may consist of "merely" a bug report.
Even just asking questions may indicate that the UX or documentation is lacking.