I'm interested having never played DotA and from the article they seem to have some ideas for getting around the 'hardcore player' factor (that puts new players off) but if it's as close to the original as it sounds it could still be very inaccessible to noobs
DotA is to be learned the hard way frankly, it's unavoidable to be flamed to death a few times in such a very team-oriented game. It does not require more than a little common sense though, people who really get bashed a lot for the same things are likely slightly retarded. HoN also seems to have eased up people a little, if you ask for help, they're more likely to give it to you.
