From what I understand: CasaOS is simply an abstraction layer and takes away a lot of the manual work.

I agree with you that this shows down learning quite a bit.

I see three ways forward for you:

a) switch to a Linux base system, Debian, arch, nixos, whatever resonates and set up everything from scratch. High learning curve but no more hidden things.

b) same as a but as a separate setup. This is what I would recommend if you have the time and cash. Replicate what’s already working and compare.

c) figure out how to do things manually within the CasaOS framework. Can’t help you there though :)