Most settings applications (GNOME Settings, KDE Control Center) give very limited access to managing lower level components in the system. For example, kernel management, managing groups, etc.
If they did though, in your opinion, what would be the most effective way to offer a simple experience for some users, and more control for those who need it? How would most desktops implement this “hybrid” approach?
Or should users not be able to control those things graphically at all?
I dispute the validity of the basis of your argument. Whether or not ease of access to advanced tools will cause problems for people who don’t know what they’re doing is irrelevant, and no design decision should ever be made with that consideration in mind. Whatever happened to RTFM? Put up a warning if you’re worried about it. And you covered that:
That is the user’s problem. Efficiency should never be hamstrung in the name of handholding. Ever.