Will the average non ham person be able to tune an antenna such that will operate with a low SWR and not destroy the radio? A radio is a tool but not as simple as a hammer.I disagree that you need to get that technical with it. Off the shelf stuff will work just fine, and you only need to be technical enough to program channels into everyone's radio in your talk group.
Once things are channelized, it's easier to pickup a radio and say hello for the first time than it is to effectively shoot a firearm. Of course practice will help you be successful.
If you intend to use a repeater you definitely need to get a license, be that ham or GMRS.
If you're just going to talk simplex, don't bother. Program your boofwang for FRS, GMRS, and MURS and let it rip.