I think one of the big mistakes is the assumption that one can get away from symbols and language by using gadgets, windows, or flowcharts. Even if you succeed

I think one of the big mistakes is the assumption that one can get away from symbols and language by using gadgets, windows, or flowcharts. Even if you succeed at some level, you end up with a different language, which still requires programming and abstraction skills, but the language usually ends up being inefficient. I find that written symbols are very efficient. At least, as long as I have this keyboard in front of me.