> But that's definitely the case for him and for several vim + tiling users that I know. > Then every single step requires planning for the basic moves.

I think you are imagining things, because that makes you feel better. None of this is true for experienced vim users. It's true for novices, but that's the nature of learning. I know you won't believe me, but I don't really care.

> They will never say anything but good things about it.

That's not true either, as every tool has pros and cons, and every vim/tmux/i3/arch/linux user is aware of that.

Look at YT/Twitch for any good Vim user, like Primeagen or TJ Devries, or basically any Vim-related conference talks and you will see that your understanding is flawed.