In stead of explaining the application in 30 min I spend 30 min looking like an idiot. I accidentally detach a tool from the gui then was unable to get it back in. haha Questions like "how do I draw a box?"
There are countless little weird things you have to get used to. Like, why is configure grid in the "image" menu? Why not put it under grid under "view"? I keep forgetting where it is.
I do UI with simple questions like: Is the grid part of viewing or part of the image?
Gimp devs probably think like you do. And this also is why artists aren't using Gimp more as well. The hubris. Gimp UI is objectively terrible and the workflow you're talking about doesn't have artists in mind, it's designed by developers for developers, not artists.
Sure, Photoshop has chops, it can do amazing stuff with ease, but I prefer GIMP's layout, it makes far more sense to me and it is quick and easy. Maybe if I had started with Photoshop I would agree with you but it does work well once you get it, and it doesn't take long to get it, and that combo is what makes for "objectively good" UX.
More like everyone who do anything serious with pictures.