The replace function though is a lot less powerful. Even if I give it the benefit of the doubt that probably there is a way to use regexpressions in an arcane syntax (because just entering them definitely does not work).
Though in general that exchange is typical for nano :) So many think it can do almost nothing and then are surprised when it can do so much more. Often included me. Like syntax highlighting, it was cool when I found out it can do that.