I didn't mean to start an edition war here, lol. Each version of D&D has it's selling points, and as I get older, I adopt new editions more slowly; I was instantly on board with 2e and 3e because, why not?
But I was slow to accept 4e (even though I eventually grew to love it) and I'm still kind of "it's ok, I guess" when it comes to 5e. But ultimately, you have to go where the game is.
I can choose not to play 5e, and then I would have less opportunities to game in my area; the only other option is Pathfinder 2, and while it's probably ok, some of the things I've heard about it make me dubious (everybody gets 3 actions, spellcasters have to burn all 3 to get maximum use out of spells, which still use spell slots, shields have to be lowered to attack, then raised afterwards*).
My point has been, if you decide to jump off the ride at any point, that's a choice you have to live with. You can't then shout at clouds because other people didn't jump off with you and expect results. Even 5e can be daunting to a beginner, and once you've learned it, being told "now, learn an entirely new way of doing things" is equally daunting. You need to know the juice is worth the squeeze.
Neither I nor my friend could "sell" 2e effectively to a group of gamers who are invested in 5e, owning multiple game books and currently having fun. It's unfortunate (even with all it's crufty old rules, I think there's merit to the experience of 2e, and there are good things about it, if you're willing to explore), but that's just how it is.
We have to adapt or risk being left behind.