I know the feeling. I dropped React because of the learning curve is too steep for me, eventually adopted vue.js because it is friendlier (from my perspective and learning path, I am stronger in HTML/CSS coming from my design background).

Knowing vue.js, it took me about one or two days to get my first app running and I felt learned after the first app. After that, getting project off the ground is not a hurtle anymore and i can develop new ideas and learn along the way.

I think knowing vue.js (probably React too since I know they are similar) will contribute to flattening the learning curve for Retool. Mostly it is learning 1) set up the data source 2) find places to plug in the data using {{}} syntax

knowing these two things can get one very far.

I don't mind tools like React. There is a big learning curve but there are a few related things in the space that open up when you understand one of them. Low code tools seem to be very specific. So the time you invest is only applicable to that tool.