The complex reality is that price is not there yet for CNC(including tooling) and lasers.
The Roland of the article cost more than 3 thousands dollars. I could make eight Prusa reprap (I did it for a University course) for this price, or buy printrbots.
About CAD: For some people it is genuinely easy, like some kids are "naturals" for playing basketball.
When you teach kids, it blows your mind what they are capable of doing when left alone once they learned the basics.