Text-based config files are one of the best features of Linux. Duplicating and managing Windows software configurations is a nightmare by comparison. Making a reliable modern Linux system is pretty easy; usually you don't need to do anything much beyond installing, but if you do, the solid reliable text config and service management files make it easier than any other OS I've used.
They're really not. They prevent you from doing things like automatically responding to config changes, or changing settings programmatically, e.g. from a GUI or installer.
