@Ty Pilot if you think about nodes like adRjustment layers in Photoshop etc they make more sense. They allow you to make non-destructive edits to your video.
I've really been enjoying resolve despite some minor challenges wrapping my head around some things. Tracking and most anything in the Fusion area are still a WIP.
Here's a tip. If you want the Speed Editor (which I've also fallen in love with) but don't need the advanced features of Studio (or don't want to drop $300) you can buy them used. I got one in excellent condition from Adorama for $132. You wouldn't know it's used by looking at it.
I wouldn't upgrade to 18 until it's out of beta. Based on what I've read, the releases are hit and miss. I think I read yesterday that r4 was good but r5 went backwards.
Thats a good point, as someone who worked for 15 years in Adobe AE, the best correlation I can make is that nodes in Resolve, are like compositions in After Effects, as they do the same things in much the same way, so I don't think I'll have a problem but that adjustment period is something I just kept putting off.
I did buy the full studio version (18) from Amazon and I even saw the bundle with the speed editor but in the end I decided I wanted to work with a keyboard as that is what I am comfortable with for now. I must say as I read and watch more about Davinci Resolve the more I am very happy with my purchase.