So, they're basically bridges that allow you to use some Windows programs in Linux?

They are like really Bad cocaine. Sure, it may work, but if you want to give up that much time, might as well learn an alternative because the next version will need a new workaround.

I read they can use vst files with a bit of work

That's an emulator.

Is there a difference between Wine and Proton

Proton-ge is a fork of proton is a fork of wine, which only exists because Wine isnt made for gaming specifically and proton can't include a bunch of stuff because of legal reasons which enhance gaming further.