I think you're illustrating the point of the author: such an option should be the default. The user shouldn't have to go looking for it.
Re:Why GIMP is Inadequate
by krakensden on Tuesday January 11, 2011 @12:28PM
(#2092679)
GEGL is not fully baked yet, using it reduces stability and the operations you can perform. Reviewing the default, non-GEGL GIMP was the right decision.
Clearly this artist was not a curious user.