Ultimately I feel we fixate on every kid knowing computers at some enthusiast level for no reason.

Calling a level of knowledge “enthusiast” is super subjective and I think the author is arguing that bar should be higher. Being able to “use” a computer (IMO and the author’s) should include things like connecting it to a network, reading error messages, following basic instructions, and knowing what basic hardware components do.

Cars are a great example because most people take their car into a tire shop instead of doing it themselves.

Drivers should know how to deal with a flat and check their oil. A lot of people don’t, but they should.

Most people buy food instead of growing or butchering it themselves.

People should know how to cook a decent meal from ingredients. A lot of people don’t, but they should.

All the users that say shit like “make it work” for tools they use every day of their lives are under-educated IMO and should want to learn more about those tools and develop their skills further to make their daily lives easier. I don’t really get why people don’t.