To me it seems fine that a tool that is both complexity and versatile needs a config file that is beyond memorization. So I think this line of reasoning has limitations.
I could see it with say CLI tools though. Like if I need to reference my notes for a CLI command then that may well indicate a failure in tool design.
>repeatedly copy a known-good solution and accrete changes over time.
Alternative phrasing would be that it evolves. Arguably there is a positive trajectory there