HN is degrading quickly thanks to comments like this. I've used vim for a long time, have worked in high-level engineering positions (lead, principal, similar roles) for decades with huge companies you've no doubt heard of as well as the US government. I've published articles and software going back to the 90s. Based on the content of your comment I think it's likely I was programming in vi(m) before you were born.
I have never read the manual for vim, nor for most software that I use. I'm a "learn by doing" type - optimal methods of learning vary and is subjective. There are plenty of people who because of ADHD or another reason simply don't learn best from manuals.
The vitriol belongs on reddit.