For some people (myself included) the infinite configurability is the selling point, and configuration is the 'cost of doing business'. I'm an Emacs person but I'm sure it's the same for (Neo)Vim people too. You're gradually crafting your editor using your editor, and that feels good.
Along the way there are innumberable little choices that you make that shape it into something completely your own. Plus you know it's never going away or getting enshittified because it's open source and has been for decades.
Now, does it actually make you more productive? Or is any productivity you gain swallowed up by tinkering with configuration? That's an open question, and a valid one. People who enjoy an out-of-the-box IDE experience are fine by me - different strokes and all. I just enjoy working in an environment that is always gradually evolving according to my needs, even if it means putting in the work.
Along the way there are innumberable little choices that you make that shape it into something completely your own. Plus you know it's never going away or getting enshittified because it's open source and has been for decades.
Now, does it actually make you more productive? Or is any productivity you gain swallowed up by tinkering with configuration? That's an open question, and a valid one. People who enjoy an out-of-the-box IDE experience are fine by me - different strokes and all. I just enjoy working in an environment that is always gradually evolving according to my needs, even if it means putting in the work.