Hmmm... I agree that Emacs is specialist, but at least half the reason I don't use it is that it tends to be fairly sluggish if you start really configuring it

Hmmm... I agree that Emacs is specialist, but at least half the reason I don't use it is that it tends to be fairly sluggish if you start really configuring it and using it. Rather than an F1 race car, maybe the analogy would be better made to one of those backhoe/front loader combos. While it won't do simple operations like getting you from point 'A' to point 'B' as quickly, you can do more once you get there as compared to the family sedan. Of course, once you do get there you have to invest substantial time learning how to use the backhoe, the front loader, how not to tip it over, how not to inadvertently break stuff with it, etc. But once you've taken all that time and practiced it enough... you can do quite a lot. That metaphor feels very much more Emacs like.