I agree! But some of those things don’t come turned on/easily set up by default, hence this starter kit using only one 3rd-party package (which-key) by default

I agree! But some of those things don’t come turned on/easily set up by default, hence this starter kit using only one 3rd-party package (which-key) by default and just focused on configuring built-ins to better defaults. Stock Emacs can be so comfy these days. Just still got dumpy defaults.