I agree that LLPSI is an excellent way to start learning Latin.
But now that I’ve finally got to the subjunctive, I’m just very pleased that I already know Spanish and that I have a copy of the companion book. Otherwise, I would almost certainly give up now. I believe that a beginner without at least one of these advantages would be hard pushed to have a clue what’s going on.
At this stage of the book, the author seems to have pretty much abandoned trying to explain anything.
I’m going to read Grammatica Latina once more to see if I’ve just missed something. Maybe it will all become clearer in subsequent chapters?
Paul.
Things are explained in the margin with ut + verb with the ending in italic, and in the grammar part, the author explains that it’s a new verbal form named coniunctīvus. Later he mentions other uses, as with cum and others. So things are explained. But it may be not enough. The exercitia book helps with that.
Anyway, this book requires not to be hasty and repeat a lot because once something has been said once, it’s not repeated, usually. But obviously already knowing a Romance language is a big help, I don’t know how other people deal with that.
I am trying to imagine being somebody that doesn’t know about moods. My big question would be “why?”.
I actually immediately equated “ut” with “que”, so not a problem for me 
Maybe somebody with no knowledge of moods should investigate a little before plunging into this bit. It’s a shame that so many people insist that English doesn’t have a subjunctive mood.
Ah well, I was just thinking out loud.
Actually, for those reading this that aren’t aquainted with grammatical mood, a quick google search will give adequate guidance.
Paul.
And I would do the same. Given the way the method works, it’s impossible at this stage to explain why, but only how and when. And with the Internet, things are easier now than before for self learners who didn’t have a clue of what was happening exactly.
But as the method works, the only way to go is to “Oh, a new form in this specific context? I don’t understand why but okay”.
We have to recall how children learn their mother tongue, they have no other choice than to adapt and conform to the rules although they don’t understand why it is so.
I have re-read it several times. I agree, it does explain the new verb form and agree that one can’t really go wrong as long as one understands the basic concepts of grammatical moods. So 5 minutes of investigation should be adequate for anyone not yet acquainted with same.
First as I have said before no student is expected to read LLPSI without any help. Ørberg wrote a guide “latine Disco” which the Neumann companion expands on. Also it isn’t a method designed for someone learning on their own, although it can be adapted for that.
On the subjunctive I do not think that there is any special knowledge one needs before studying it in Latin. I would be wary of making simple comparisons between its use in romance languages and classical latin. Obviously they are linked but sometimes obscurely.
If you want to read about the independent use of the subjunctive in Latin from which its use in subordinate clauses are derived I suggest you read "A New Latin Syntax (E.C. Woodcock) ". Ørberg follows all traditional courses in first introducing result clauses. I dont think it is explained very well in LLPSI. You are given a rule with little explanation of its justification. I think most students want a rule, however simplified, that will work for now. Others who are interested can look at Woodcock.
No system is perfect!
Page 248 of the companion gives a mini lesson on moods. Should be enough to satisfy the curious