This is why Nix (with flakes), in a git repository, will refuse to use a lockfile that isn't being tracked by git.

Nix also breaks if you try to update it, and you'll eventually have to update for security issues.

I'm stuck with a defunct Nix project I can't update, because crane and fenix flakes made breaking changes, and nix is giving me incomprehensible errors. I've spent enough time googling the errors that I'd be quicker to start over with a nix-less VM.

Yes, that's an excellent idea, and will free up time to deal with the *other* stupid mistakes past-me made :D