Have to keep in mind that "user friendly" can mean different things to different people. I don't mind a heavy vacuum if it cleans well and it easy to move around (from carpet to bare floors, as well as tote around from room to room). I prefer my Orecks for quick cleaning of carpets and bare floors, but I like my Electrolux for areas that I cannot use the Oreck, like on the couch or when I need to use the crevice tool or dusting brush. It's a heavier vacuum that I often just pick up and carry versus rolling it around. Also, I'm not inconvenienced by using different machines for different purposes, some probably would be.
But again, I don't want to have to take out a filter and wash it in the sink or take the dust bin and empty it in the trash and then wipe it out. Its easier for me to just toss the paper bag in the trash and put in a new one. And, I don't have to buy a HEPA filters with my current lineup. Some people don't mind doing that of course.