Modes aren't necessarily less productive. (Score 1)

I disagree completely. I install gvim under Windows (yes, it's vim not vi, and I'll admit that vi is much less productive but then you can't compare vi to emacs when it comes to binary size) so that when I need to edit something FAST I can. My husband integrates it with Visual Studio for the same reason - most of the time he uses the VS IDE, but nothing beats vim for mass refactoring of code. Control sequences, which is what other editors use, are slower for fast touch typists like myself. Touch typists don't look at their fingers, and try to stay at the home row at all times. Moving a hand to a mouse is a massive slow-down. I *prefer* modal editing and switched *to* vim. I put bash into vi mode because I can't stand it in the default emacs mode.

For two-finger typists, sure, vi-based editors are a poor choice. For use-the-mouse people, vi-based editors are a poor choice. For people who heavily customise their work environment to maximise productivity vi-based editors can be an excellent choice. I bet I can start four apps with my keyboard - even one at a time - faster than you can start two with a mouse. Fluxbox for the win!