It's simpler on the back-end character creation mini-game. There are far fewer decisions before you can just start playing.
Also, on a turn-by-turn basis in combat, each character has fewer options to choose between. And what options they do have feature fewer variables and less nuance, so it's easier to make a decision.
I think this is correct. I admit even as long time strategy game and D&D player that at first, 5e took a while to learn due to interference learning. For me, reactions and bonus actions seemed odd when I did not have a ready list of bonus actions to consider if you will.
However, being simpler does not seem all bad to me. We had a few combats drag on when a character was kiting enemies using 5 ft steps and other things to keep an advantage for ranged attacks.
I felt it slowed things down and made combat LESS exciting despite technically more tactical choice. I understood it, I got it, but it did not add to the thrill.
We have been using minis and terrain of late and I have standardized terrain that allows for rough measurement. It is often "close enough" and moves almost as quick as theater of mind. If we had been using 3e again, I have a feeling we would be debating the inches like a true miniatures game which is just not what we are looking for.
We have miniatures and racks of games in my house just for that purpose! But of course to each their own.
In short, I like decisions but minutia in the midst of a quick skirmish has some diminishing returns in my opinion which for me was the case with some previous editions. That said, I cannot fault someone for wanting those extra bits either by way of earlier edition, optional rules or other house rules.