I’d like actual examples instead of “I work faster”, something like “I can move straight to the middle of the file with 7mv” or “I can keep 4 different text snippets in memory and paste each with a number+pt, like 2pt”, things that you actually use somewhat frequently instead of what you can do, but probably only did once.
It is just from the ground up build to be an extension of your thoughts. One speaks to vim fluently. My advice would be: Ask yourself how some tedious thing could be done quicker, then search the help pages immediately. If not found, expand your search. Learn the default tool. By this you even learn the help. Don’t install plugins for no reason, configure the defaults to your likings instead.
I may not use 100% of vim but I guess you would have a hard time finding something I do not use regularly. My vimrc is <200 lines, <4 plugins. Tabs. I don’t use tabs anymore.
And yes, I even issue vi("*y by hand.
