> That's fair but I'll say that the time and number of concepts you have to deal with before going into the code, per the docs; is quite big (...)

That's ok. It's the same for any domain you're just starting to learn. If anyone wishes to, say, onboard onto Cloudwatch or Azure Application Insights they will say exactly the same thing.

Sounds like you have been overzealous about it. I just read an intro article or two -- maximum 15 minutes in total -- and I had an idea about trace spans vs. logging vs. metrics and I was on my merry way 1-2h later. We're talking the first time I needed OTel.

I am not humble-bragging at all, in fact I was quite dim back then (health problems reduced my focus and clarity of thought), I am saying that over-preparing can make everything seem untenable. So just don't.