I thought a lot about this when I started my layout.
I made a conscious decision to go with DC block control, in part *because* of the challenge it provides. I have 11 blocks cross-wired to 4 controllers, and LED-enhanced switches to help know what is what. But as I constructed the track, I was conscious of DCC, and so I got DCC-compatible turnouts so that if some time the layout were to be converted, it could be done in an hour.
I do not regret my decision. And as far as attracting the next generation, I have found that they also enjoy the challenge of having to think their way through the operations -- it requires logic, planning, and cooperation. And everyone loves the little colored LED indicator lights around the layout. I will also admit, however, that most folks who see this particular layout (e.g. house guests) have never heard of DCC. But they are fascinated by the workings of this layout. To tell the truth, so am I. If it were DCC, I would probably bore of it after some time, but as DC, it is always a challenge to see how to get two different locos to handle the double crossover ans they switch loops, or head into the yard, or navigate the sneaky back way in to the turntable.