In terms of usability yes! But how many people would then just stay in insert mode forever, without ever understanding the depth of vi? Most programs are about

In terms of usability yes! But how many people would then just stay in insert mode forever, without ever understanding the depth of vi? Most programs are about getting results now. There usability is most important. But some programs (like vi) are about getting extremely, awesomely better results later on. These tools need the student/user to be in the valley of pain for a long time that they can actually reach this point of enlightment. I would argue that such kind of program also needs to get rid of users, who don't have the motivation or persistence to stay until a certain point of enlightment. Giving up on vi is good for the people who do. They probably wouldn't need this kind of power anyway. And those who desperately want and/or need it will eventually come to that point of understanding the other modes and commands of vi in the end.