Nose based software typically still has a sidebar ala Lightroom for quick things. Both Blender and Graphite use this approach. Nodes are for when you want to go further.

Because it’s there.

I can’t wait till graphite.rs adds raw image support. Adjustment layers were something needed a decade ago. Gimp can do what it wants but I moved on to DarkTable a long time ago for actual image editing. I’m not convinced the project will be able to keep up with other apps with its current organization and dismissive attitude toward design.

Dude it’s an alpha. Honestly sounds like you should just stick to KDE anyway.