I believe other programs like OpenBroadcast (OBS) can use NVENC so there are less user-hostile (and buggy) alternatives.

yes but that does not cover everything geforce experience offers

Other than picking up the FPS (which I don't believe requires Experience specifically) what is missing?

All Experience adds to Ansel is "easier sharing" of the screenshots: https://developer.nvidia.com/Ansel

It also serves as the server-side component of Nvidia GameStream, which lets you play games (streamed) from another device on the local network.

(https://moonlight-stream.org/ is a fantastic open-source implementation of the client side part)

anything requiring overlay actually requires experience install (lol). i cannot figure out a way to take an ansel without experience installed so i am convinced its not actually there too

What I'm getting at is that other software can do overlays too, looking it up I notice Windows even has it built in now: https://asapguide.com/fps-game-bar/

MSI Afterburner is another one I've seen mentioned but I've not tested it.

Yes, other software can do most of what GeForce Experience can do. Not everyone wants to install and run 5 different things when the one included with their graphics driver can do them all.

Nobody is denying the convenience, just the claim that there is no alternative.

on the flip side, geforce experience requires enabling telemetry to use any of its features. you can see the breakdown in nvcleanstall

I agree that it should not act like a game launcher and make you login. But IMO Ansel and shadow play make it worth while.