Comment by deckard1

On some level it makes sense. The problem with the command line is familiarity.

How often do you reach for iptables? If you're like myself, and most home/desktop users, then probably once in a blue moon to set it up and then you leave it alone. But a system admin? Maybe they touch it a few times a week or month. Every time I use iptables I have to relearn how Linux networking works.

Similarly, the xset/xinput thing. When I need those tools I just create a script or throw it in .bashrc. I adjust the settings once and will not touch them again for a couple years. It makes sense to have long parameters that are readable. I can look at my .bashrc and see exactly what device is getting adjusted.