As someone who interacts with databases regularly... Yeah, that sounds about right.

I was recently working with another team's feature to handle data retrieval for the end user, pretty front end but it was far too tightly coupled with db management concepts. How is a non-technical person supposed to know the difference between an inner join and a left join?

Not too long ago I suggested using cross apply to a senior dev I work with and they admitted they weren't sure what that does or how to use it. People who don't regularly work with databases have no chance.