Like all ruby apps you need a full build environment and tons of dependencies, and if by chance a specific gem fails to compile you are toast in dependency hell.
Given the goal of the project an easier to install and use stack would have helped them.
All users have to do is go to https://podupti.me/ and pick a pod.
That's what I did a few weeks ago and I have begun drawing my friends over to it. Every few days I go on facebook and talk about what I've figured out about diaspora.
I've also begun posting my hobby content on diaspora first, then facebook a few days later. When I post on diaspora, I post the invitation to see it on diaspora.
Listening to Zuck's weaseling yesterday I felt vindicated.
Not sure how well the package manager works with the long list of gems - https://github.com/diaspora/diaspora/blob/develop/Gemfile
It is not difficult to install. What is wrong with Ruby? I like Ruby.
I was underwhelmed with what Diaspora actually is though.