Things should just work and be safe by default.

They are.

You should not need to read through manuals to get basic things to work in Linux.

You don't.

it should not be a requirement to using it at a basic level.

It isn't.

If you force everyone to learn how to use Linux before they can use it then why would most people even bother with it at all?

Do you have brain damage?

Why does Linux need to be some elitist OS that only those that are willing to read through manuals can use?

I'm not saying to read through the whole manual. It's an expression from the world of tech development. Most mistakes by omission are the result of a person, usually a careless dev or a mindnumbed user, failing to read something that is directly in front of their eyes. Just turn your brain on. You can literally learn Linux by reading or watching like, a 10 minute video on YouTube. It will take you longer to download it and install it in your computer. You can watch in your phone while the ISO downloads.