> the initial learning curve of linux and a modal text editor was far too much

> I feel like nano shipping as the default editor is a step-back

Not sure why you'd say it's a step back after giving a very valid reason for why it's a step forward.

Editing configuration files as a beginner can be frustrating on its own. The added friction of fighting with your editor when you just want to change a single line is not something I wanted to deal with.