The problem isn't writing formulas. The issue is that large complex XL spreadsheets become virtually impossible to maintain because you have formulas spread al

The problem isn't writing formulas. The issue is that large complex XL spreadsheets become virtually impossible to maintain because you have formulas spread all over the place, sometimes across sheets. I have complex workbooks from 15+ years ago that fall under this category, despite the fact that I go out of my way to document as much of what goes into making these monsters as possible. The gap XL has not crossed yet (officially, there might be projects out there, yet that's not going to establish a standard) is a translation layer to something that looks like real code, with the flexibility and maintainability of real code. There are other issues, of course. For example, no easy way to create test suites for complex spreadsheets. Imagine a complex solver of some sort that goes through generations of updates by different people. Imagine having no way to run a quick set of standardized tests to ensure your latest rocket calculations or investment crystal ball spreadsheet isn't going to crash the rocket into a mountain or collapse the investment portfolio due to a coding error.