Oh for sure, but you can do a lot of things without ever touching the advanced coding section. It's definitely worth being cautious though - as you say you can definitely brick your car with it if you're just YOLOing your way through it. It does back up the module configuration prior to writing the update though so you do have a safety net.
Bimmercode lets you do coding (it's very powerful and you can easily mess up your car so you have to be very careful with it), and Bimmerlink lets you read fault codes etc.
The person presenting is also important. I may be interested in the topic but if I don't like the presenter or their delivery then I'm still not going to watch it. Text doesn't have this issue.
You're correct that the dongle only facilitates the connection, but you don't need dealer software. I have an ODB dongle and a £20 (I think) app on my phone which lets me change a _ton_ of settings on my BMW which aren't available in any in-car menus.
As a father who is suffering from plantar fascitis (brought on by running), I would rather fix the problem by strengthening my arches than mask it by buying inner soles.
I was initially quite excited to play it until I read your comment. I'm in the same boat (hurr), been sailing for 30 years and teaching it for at least 20.