[satysin]

For reinstalling macOS it is that easy. You can create your own USB install media either using Apple's tool or a third party one.

Or the more common and easier method is to do an "eraseinstall" which does the same thing but without the need to make the USB media. It does some APFS volume stuff automatically to copy the installer, wipe all other volumes, install, then remove the installer volume.

The need for a second Mac is something most Mac users never encounter as it means something has gone seriously wrong or they are a power user doing something "not normal".

I'm not defending Apple's decision here, I see pros and cons for it. Just saying that for almost all users reinstalling macOS doesn't require a second Mac. I have been a Mac user (and developer so not a "normal" user fwtw) for almost two decades now and never once needed a second Mac for any restore tasks.