, The essence of VIM lies in efficient, full keyboard operations using only basic key combinations. I've never used the mouse when using gVim either, heh.
The commands in VIM are indeed numerous and complex. The user guide is over 1000 pages, and the reference manual has even more pages. But usually, as long as you are flexible and master some basic commands, you can use it very powerfully. Once you fully master it, using it is extremely enjoyable, heh.
BTW: VI seems to be the only editor that can run on almost any platform and operate fully functionally under remote Telnet/SSH.