I think you’re right when you say it’s a good idea to learn your tools, no matter if the tools provides good or bad UX.

In the case of git status, I think the UX is simply bad, as evidenced by the replies and my usage of git. A text update could improve the command substantially - and perhaps a suggestion to run a git pull to update the tracking branch. I don’t think it’s reasonable to read a 456 page book on git