There are even plugins that go in this direction, like the Krita UI Redesign plugin, some toolbox plugins or the relatively new Touchify, which is the most advanced plugin to simplify things in Krita - but it’s hard for non-technical people to set it up because it’s very technical and requires a good understanding of Krita.
I’m using it, including earlier versions, for years now:
Krita UI Redesign v0.5 alpha released, requesting feedback! This in combination with the next one was my main “driver” for a long time.
Can give you only the tools you want, but needs Krita knowledge to set up:
KanvasBuddy - a Minimalist Toolbar
Touchify is a mega-plugin, offers many options and makes the above obsolete, and some below too (and has options for options LOL):
Touchify, the most advanced, but the most knowledge needed:
[In Development] Tablet Friendly Accessibility Plugin
Another “big ship” making Krita accessible, again knowledge needed:
Shortcut Composer v1.5.4 - Plugin for Pie menus, Multiple key assignment, Mouse trackers and more!
CoolBox 1.0, a Blender like toolbox for Krita
So there have definitely been attempts to simplify Krita, but you can’t simplify Krita too much, it will always have more options than you can leave out at first glance, and the buttons to make them accessible from a simplified Krita would make it complicated again …
Michelist