The average user can barely hit the space bar with their forehead. Creating programming tools designed for the average user will always be a study in mediocrity.
Configuring emacs isn't a test of intelligence, it's a test of investment. I wish the mindset that conflates intelligence and investment would go away.
Software is going to continue to play a bigger influence on everyones life. The majority of this software is going to be written by engineers of average intelligence. Having tools that are easier for everyone to use will make your life better down the line too.
Learn emacs once and you're done - your customizations will stick around for years, decades. With the proprietary MS solution, you have no guarantee of this.
Le sigh, I guess some people want to be subject to the whims of Redmond for life.