Andrew Male
Experienced
Judging by the response to this thread thus far I don't think most people agree with your assertion that making the AxeFX II easier to use by changing the UI or adding an 'easy mode' would be a good thing. In truth the AxeFX II is easy to use as is. Add Amp block, add Cab block, edit Cab block to select an IR, edit Amp block to select amp and adjust gain/bass/mid/treble/master - done. It is in fact easier to set this up on the AxeFX II than it is on a Line6 HD series modeler.
As has been stated and restated here in this thread all of the 'easy mode' type controls are on the first tab or first couple tabs for every block. Reverb? Add Reverb block, edit Reverb block, select Reverb type, adjust mix to taste - done. Chorus? Add Chorus block, edit... you get the point. All one need do to make easy use of the AxeFX II is stick to the first tab(s) for all block types - instant 'easy mode'. Then, at such a time as one chooses to dive deeper to take further control of any given block type, all one need do is click next page - instant advanced mode. With this approach everyone has everything they want literally at their fingertips and FAS (Cliff) doesn't have to maintain two UI's to get there - we're already there.
I think the front panel is fine, Axe EDIT could do with a bit of UI love. The UI is essentially unchanged from initial versions.