I've been a bit out of the loop the last half decade or so. Since Cave is my fave developer, I didn't follow the scene too much after DFK and SDOJ, with the exception of shitty mobile ports.
But back when novice modes were first being added, I recall a general sense of distaste within the community.
However, both my lack of skills and my absence from shmups means a return to play can be rather daunting. (I have to say, cave-stg's return has inspired me and I've been playing a lot more lately!) This casual approach coupled with an intermediate skill level means novice mode is just perfect. Futari's novice maniac mode is a blast to play and 1CCing games are now within reach when compared to the 'when hell freezes over' likelihood prior to novice mode options.
So, while some of you can 1CC games normally, I wonder what percentage of this community is made up by people like me. And I wonder if people still frown on novice modes in games. Are they good or bad or are you indifferent towards them?