I think the least that distros can do, is allow listing all packages and system settings in config files like .toml rather than having to type in every single package to install, or click through system setting GUIs to setup. Would that require using a whole programming language or system like NIx?
While NixOS works much differently from most distros, that's the only reason I use it: package and system settings in text files. If I fix something, it's fixed permanently, I don't need to hunt down files in random directories if I want to change a setting. If I ever need to reinstall the OS I don't have to write dnf install every single damn package and manually setup all that up all over again. Having daily-drove Windows macOS & Fedora as throughout the years, my setups have felt hacky as well as houses of cards as I've wanted or had to set them up again (I don't mean Fedora specifically, but distros in general).
Basically it feels insane that it's the way most linux users and servers in the world operate. If I, a humble computer hobbyist can figure out Nix, why don't more users do so, and why is Nix so niche?
Fam, I believe your post is all over the place. Please consider to clarify the following:
Frankly, I somewhat agree. But I believe most people operate within paradigms like "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." and/or "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.". Isn't "the path of least resistance" what we default to anyways? And if we additionally weigh in sunk cost fallacy, it is no surprise that people are more often than not wed to their ways... Or, at least act upon it.
I believe NixOS suffers from the following:
Anyhow, I'm glad to hear you jumped ship to NixOS! Wish me luck when I enter its hostile waters (with the intent to conquer it) this summer ๐!