For me things started to get interesting once I set up CUA mode to have the same key shortcuts as in the usual Windows world (ctrl-C for copy, ctrl-V for paste and so on). Once I got that I was able to work on text file, programs etc. Then I slowly added packages (took months) as I was needing/discovering them. And now, what I like is that I can use the same configuration on Linxu and windows (I switch often between my work PC in my home PC). Org mode is really usefull although I just get the bare minimum. LSP makes a difference too. And the community is great: so much things happen all the time. The openness really makes a big difference. So in the end, I love it :-)

(and I don't like modal editors :-) )