[qwery]

> Is it worth learning the mental model behind this system?

If you want to learn javascript, then yes, obviously. You also need to learn the model to be able to criticise it (effectively) -- or to make the next wat.

> am I better off just shoveling LLM slop around until it mostly works?

Probably not, but this depends on context. If you want a script to do a thing once in a relatively safe environment, and you find the method effective, go for it. If you're being paid as a professional programmer I think there is generally an expectation that you do programming.