Thank you for saying " for the average Joe, the complexity of learning platform like Obsidian/Roam can be quite daunting and un-attractive for someone who dabbles in the productivity space."

I find that in Obsidian I spend more time tinkering than working. To use it, I have had to learn additional skills that are nice - like markdown - but not what I want. I want simple, reliable linkages that go both ways, and some of Obsidian's lovely local maps.

If Evernote were to install bidirectional links and maps, on top of their already created notes, they would take the laurels.