That was my experience with Solaris and Linux in the late 90s. It being foreign to me was what got me hooked. You could install pico or learn to use Unix tools.

2 days of frustration followed by Eureka! Repeat.

I still do that process now just with other stuff. (Why is my program doing X? Why the F am I getting a RST?) I think that’s what hooks people that are really into this world.

I do actually understand nano as a default on a “friendly” desktop, Raspberry Pi, etc. targeting new users. I’m just a grumpy old man.