Over time you realize there are no transient states. You cannot neglect, for example, complex install just because it "happens once". Nothing ever happens just once. You will always have to reinstall, probably multiple times. So when people say the same thing about installation complexity, they are being naive.

In the same way, learning is not a transient state either. You will always have to relearn. Those impossible barriers that you eventually got through will reduce to speedbumps - but they will always be there, slowing you down. And if you don't use it enough, you'll have to relearn.

Also, be aware that once you've climbed a learning curve, at least unconsciously you are no longer incentivized to simplify it for those who come after. Why reduce the barrier-to-entry for others, after all? You got through it, so why can't they? And this is why generations of kids learn bad music theory, and generations of physicists learn bad particle names. It's important to be aware of this effect so you can counter-act it.