No report writer is easy when it comes to relational databases. But the programmer can help the user out by setting up data dictionaries for the user to create reports from.

Even armed with a good dictionary, it wont enable a user to write every report they want, but it can help them with simple queries and audits. When it comes to the real meat and potato reports, it is up to us the developer. That's why we get paid the big bucks.

I have had some users that really understand relational databases and they can get alot done. But others who don't even know what a data base is. You kinda gotta judge for yourself.