Yeah, files as a database is fun, but I find you ultimately reinvent the wheel when sqlite is pretty battle tested, free and easier to get right or scale up.
I can't talk though because I actually find myself doing this a lot
It can be very device specific unfortunately. Thinkpad tend to work quote well. I had a Framework that my wife took from me and it's truly fantastic, works out of the box.
I too have found this. However, I absolutely love being able to mock up a larger idea in 30 minutes to assess feasibility as a proof of concept before I sink a few hours into it.
I can't talk though because I actually find myself doing this a lot