Not really, MPC-QT is a pretty good graphical interface that I'd say is "comparable" with VLC? https://mpv.rocks/ has some decent setup write ups on setting up mpv on windows and linux both.

That is fair. Use it daily on Linux because its so customizable and powerful, but not a plug n play solution.

libmpv is used in a wide variety of user friendly players.

When people say "use mpv", its like "use Linux". Generally speaking you aren't doing much with the Linux kernel, you need the rest of the tools around it to make it friendly.

No difference here - grab one of the many players that use mpv under the hood. mpv.net, smplayer, iina, moonplayer, haruna, mpvex, etc, etc.

Is the pseudo gui not enough? And it explains pretty much everything I'd need when 'H' is pressed.

The way I see it you're either a non-techie that'll be fine with the on screen controls, or you're a techie and will discover the various shortcuts yourself or by making a web search.