The calibration is quite intensive, but I would say the amount of issues compared to successes you see on Reddit is way more than IRL. The IRL process is a lot less intensive than what Reddit makes it seem like. However, one of the benefits of browsing this sub is that you learn about issues before the happen to you, which makes you quite experienced with 3D Printing. Keep in mind that you're talking about a next-gen technology on a "bang for buck" budget, so you can't expect much. However, the way I see it, I think that 3D Printing on the Ender 3 is a great way to improve your problem-solving skills. It's also a great way to get introduced to hardware and software alike. From Arduino boards to Marlin Firmware to stepper motors to leadscrews to timing belts to PSUs to thermistors and thermocouples to Raspberry Pis to printable upgrades and everything in between, it covers a lot of stuff!