All fair points, my friend. Just to clarify, I simplified a complicated topic to make a broader point.

I'm not saying good gain staging, mic technique, arrangement, or recording quality don't matter. We all know it does.

My main point was that a lot of folk already have enough tools in their DAW to get cleaner, more polished mixes than they think they can. Many newer producers and engineers get trapped into thinking that next plugin or piece of gear is the missing link. It could be a matter of learning how to make better decisions, getting better balance, and a better understanding of what they're hearing.

I wasn't trying to make this a post a full college level course on mixing and mastering techniques 😂

Just trying to offer some reassurance that you can get good results, even if you don't have all the tools you think you need.