This is just so not true. You can literally launch talos and have an N node cluster in about 10 minutes 9 of which is waiting for downloads, configs, etc. 1 min of configuration. It’s just that easy.
I agree, OP's points contrast with reality. Anyone can whip out a Kubernetes cluster with COTS hardware or cheap VMs within minutes. Take Canonical's microK8s distribution. Do a snap install to get a Kubernetes node up and running, and run a command to register it in a cluster. Does this pass nowadays as rocket science?
With established cloud providers its even easier.
That’s only after you compile your Ubuntu kernel and all the software. Don’t even get me started on bad sectors on the floppy discs they give out at conferences!
No, that's simply wrong at so many levels.
May be you're thinking about cheapest VPS possible, driven by something like cpanel. Those are not cloud providers. But usually you wouldn't choose them for reliable service, because their whole model is overselling.