Keyboard Maestro offers a vast set of tools (Actions), some of which I am still discovering. But they are not all the same in scope. For example, compare the "Move Mouse" Action with the "Read File" or "Repeat Loop" or "For each file in Finder selection". Using orthogonal tools (like KM Actions) probably takes longer than using a pre-built solution (like a wizard), but I'm not sure that it is 10X as long. Pre-built solutions are great, unless there is not a solution available that you need. 
My point is some KM Actions allow you to use just a few of the large chunks of a workflow to get something very productive done. Others may require many smaller blocks.
But one thing to keep in mind is the great reservoir of existing Macros. These provide solutions to a lot of common needs, and don't require you to fully understand all the parts to use.
###Sources of Existing Macros Providing Pre-Built Solutions
- The Example Macros that come with KM. Goto Window > Macro Library in the KM app.
- Macros submitted by other users. Goto the Forum > macros section.
- Best Macro List in the Forum macro section
- List of Example Macros