Well, command line is not required, but it sure can come in handy. If you could do real DOS and understand directory structure, you would have no problem. Most people start with a hard distribution, try it for 5 minutes and because it doesn't look and act exactly like Windows they say "I don't like it". (There was a learning curve to Windows that they have conveniently forgotten.) If you use the graphical interface, you really don't have to use any command line stuff at all.
Another thing that puts people off is that "it won't run my Windows programs". Well, it's not Windows, and Windows stuff doesn't at all on a Mac either, without some kind of emulator. There are plenty of Linux programs that can replace the MS based equivalents. It's just a new way of thinking.
Some get frustrated with their hardware not working, but that is the fault of the manufacturer's who do not provide linux drivers (or even specifications!) due to the smaller-than-Windows market share. Frequent complaints about my WinModem don't work. Really? Is it because it was made for Windows only? Real hardware modems have NEVER had a problem with linus. As the world shifts to broadband this will be less of an issue.
I recommend a new Linux user try a few distributions (or a hundred!) before they decide which is for them. Frankly, I don't care for Suse. And Linspire is the absolute easiest for Windows users to transition. It's not free, but it's cheaper than Windows and you DO have to pay for that one way or the other. I recommend a person start with a dual boot system so they don't totally liose their security blanket, while being able to learn about Linux and certainly be safer while on the net.
Sorry if I seemed to ramble. Actually I was just getting started.
