The simple fact that there are terms like "beginner" used in this conversation shows that y'all are overthinking it.

It is about having a good coffee, not a professional sport.

And how exactly are you going to make good coffee if you don't know how to dial in a shot? If you don't know what you're doing your espresso is most likely going to come out sour or bitter. (Under or over extracted. Pulling good espresso is not exactly the most straightforward process.)

China and Japan made whole rituals and philosophy around serving tea and there is a difference between novice and adept in that. People really nerding out on espresso are just repeating an old trend.