This is so true, yet when other people ask me for help it is so easy to say "read the api docs" even though I have gone through the same process and frustration.

The whole process of learned a new tool or language requires a lot of work. Sometimes the people who are new to it will give up because they simply were unable to understand some small issue. I suppose it is up to both parties, the leaders and the new developer. The leader has to encourage and support while the new developer must be willing to work hard and not give up.