| Benjamin Connell |
I'm not sure about slowing down, but it does limit your options a lot and is an obstacle that a lot of new players wont anticipate and find annoying.
If you are playing a melee based character then AoO is something you will spend all of your efforts trying to avoid as you level up! To take it away completely renders half the feats rules useless, but I think beginners would appreciate it and enjoy it more.
For a dedicated player it is part of the challenge of combat, but new players want a taste of war and smashing s**t up!
So I would absolutely take out AoO for noobs.
If it's a game that you expect might last for many levels to come, you can put it back in once they've found their gaming feet. Or not! The rules really are more of a guide to help you have the kind of game you and your players want =)