Many limesurvey admins are unsophisticated and tend to get lost navigating the necessary steps in creating a basic survey. This results in many calls and emails to helpdesk for assistance.

Would it be feasible to create a simplified administration theme/plugin?

Such a theme/plugin would offer simplified interface where the user could if they desire switch to expert mode.

A common complaint I get is "survey monkey is much simpler"

Of course the automatic retort does not endear you to them ;)