> I agree that VS Code is easier to edit code in, but Emacs is easier to program and extend. Ease of use simply isn't why people use Emacs and I think that at this point it would be hard for it to ever compete with VS Code on that front.

I don't program in Emacs except to fix bugs or make small modifications to my init.el. I use Emacs because it's the easiest editor to use. The keybindings are ubiquitous: they are standard in the command line of bash and other shells as well as numerous other programs, and all throughout the macOS GUI. By sticking to Emacs as an editor I am using the most widely available keybindings anywhere and that helps me be productive in a multitude of places. Emacs has modes for all the languages I use, and especially now with LSP, they generally Just Work. I start Emacs as a server when I log in, and I can connect to it from any shell on the same machine, and my open files are there waiting for me. I guess you might find VS Code better if you like the mouse, but I don't want my hands to leave the keyboard while editing as I find it counterproductive.