Everyone should understand it but most of the time that isn't the case. And I would argue that most "advanced" users (especially on Windows) are just following

Everyone should understand it but most of the time that isn't the case. And I would argue that most "advanced" users (especially on Windows) are just following instructions from online posts and really have no idea what they're doing. If something doesn't work as expected, they either ask for next steps online with extreme vagueness, or take it upon themselves to start messing with system files and settings, digging their hole even deeper. Giving users full control like that will only result in a greater need for customer support. We've all seen the stupidity of some of these "tales from tech support" customers. While I agree with you that everyone should at least understand the computer and OS that they're using, I also understand Google's move in creating a separation of users, especially during Chrome OS's infancy.