I've seen SQL Express used basically like SQLite a number of times, where it's only being accessed by a local installation of something. Also if you're install

I've seen SQL Express used basically like SQLite a number of times, where it's only being accessed by a local installation of something. Also if you're installing it manually (and thus having to configure it manually) the odds are good that you're a developer in which case it'll also only be accessed locally. It's a sane default to not listen to the network. A lot of users won't need it. Those that do can enable it. The port thing is handled automatically when you have your network clients working correctly. For the record I'm a SQLite/Postgres guy, the only reason I even know about the port thing is having to help a customer troubleshoot some software that uses SQL express a few weeks ago. Definitely not a MS defender normally, but your complaints are really silly.