This has existed for at least two years: https://www.duolingo.com/stories
Yes, it does not cover every language but the intent is to address that ( perceived ) complaint.
I disagree that an actual coursebook is more helpful.
I used Duo for 6 months prior to moving to a Germany. It gave me an incredible confidence boost to be able to at least understand what was going on around me.
After living in Berlin for 6 months I did a course and I was far ahead of others who had taken formal courses before.
It has been 2 years since I left Germany, I still do my Duo daily and have continued doing German courses.
It has helped maintain my minimal ability.
> it also likely depends on person
Indeed. My partner at the time did the same as me and Duo did not work for her at all.
I'm aware of stories, but given that it's only available in a small minority of languages, I'd say it's fair to say DL doesn't offer it when the majority of their languages don't (and likely won't ever) have stories.
The spaced repetition is also mostly gone, only somewhat available on desktop.
As an alternative anecdote, I've been using Duolingo for years and spend some time in the forums + different Spanish learning communities whose users frequently use Duolingo and I have never seen anyone ever ask this.
It's always struck me as obvious to everyone that you would need multiple resources to become fluent, but Duolingo is useful as a good quality free resource that can be done anywhere at any time.
I'm not saying you're wrong, as we probably come across different posts or groups, just an another experience to share.
Assuming the apps actually use native speaker audio. Which Duolingo doesn't do.
> I really don't think recommending textbooks is at all relevant these days.
I disagree completely. Textbooks are still, in my opinion and experience, the most efficient way to start learning a language.
> really you have to be pretty far along for grammar to be the main stumbling block (over listening, pronunciation, and vocabulary).
I wouldn't agree you have to be "pretty far along". Grammar becomes a huge stumbling block as soon as you get outside the pleasantries section of learning. Once you start trying to talk about your day and what you'll do and did, then the grammar really starts to matter.
I'm active in various Facebook/Reddit groups dealing with language learning. The average user, who's never learned a language before, does think DL will make them fluent. And DL advertises themselves in this manner as well. It's a common issue: "I've got my entire tree gold, why can't I understand natives?"
> I cannot think of a single more effective method than Duolingo to get over this first hurdle.
I think an actual coursebook is more useful, but it also likely depends on person. DL doesn't really teach language skills for most the courses. It has you translate, you never practice reading for comprehension, listening for comprehension (or listening to natives at all, in the courses with TTS), or writing. And not to mention the default of 'click the words' in the mobile app doesn't force recall at all.