I think you're absolutely right, but you do have to learn a subset of LaTeX to get anywhere. Words doesn't require you to learn anything to start typing, which

I think you're absolutely right, but you do have to learn a subset of LaTeX to get anywhere. Words doesn't require you to learn anything to start typing, which will prevent you from actively using many of the features within Word. At least with LaTeX you're less likely to start out on the wrong foot, but you're also more likely to not start out at all. But there's certainly a good amount of cargo cult in many or most LaTeX templates as well.