That's pretty accurate. I'm still a dumb noob about programming generally but I've been using and lurking in #lisp and the "community at large" for ~2 years now.

The best thing to do for new users is probably to show up on #lisp and solicit recommended libraries for X, I'm afraid. Or google and read extensively, selecting for newer information where possible.

The plan is to have a web directory for projects included in quicklisp that besides showing the metadata and project info (which projects depend on what etc.) also includes something like user feedback and reviews.

The Cliki recommended libraries list is a really good idea (I dusted it off and put it on the Cliki front page because of things I read here on HN), but you get flamed for editing it because there's no attribution, Lisp weenies don't like subjective opinions, and I'm guessing certain people get miffed that not everyone loves their library. But please don't let that stop you from using and contributing to the Cliki recommended libraries list in the meantime!