Also, the tedious parts of getting room/item/puzzle combinatorics... let's just say it relaxes and becomes less of a blocker as you progress through the game? There's a phase where it feels annoying, but it doesn't last forever.

I went from feeling this way to it being a beloved game. Don't expect a Slay the Spire rougelite as the core game experience that keeps you coming back. Ultimately, it's more like Myst than StS: understanding the setting, the world, and tying puzzles together in a meaningful way.

Yeah, that sounds like you were using GIMP alright.

I know a few folks who have brought it into their workflows and made it work alright, but for everyone else, use-it-until-you-give-up-in-frustration is the name of the game.

Not counting GIMP? Or is this a "That's the joke" moment?