First I'd like to point out that suggesting not to use Emacs because the default keybindings may not be for everyone doesn't make any sense. Emacs is the most configurable "text editor" ever made and so, of course, trivial things like keymappings are fully configurable.
Regarding the "Emacs pinky" issue, I noticed that several people have "anti-Emacs-pinky" keybindings in their .emacs, like user "Paul Nathan" (17.5k rep as I type this) here:
What are good custom keybindings in emacs?
Then it is known for a fact that many people prefer the vi way and user Emacs' viper-mode.
I think that the major issue in Emacs is, by default, over-reliance on CTRL and more specifically C-x and C-f / C-b. These three are really terrible because it means, IMHO, painful fingers distortion.
So to me first the problem has to be defined: what is the issue? The issue is an over-reliance by default on CTRL, the fact that CTRL is typically badly located on most keyboards and the fact that most keyboard out there (I'd guesstimate more than 99.9% of all keyboards ever produced) are total pieces of junk.
So what is my solution to this?
- I use a good mechanical keyboard and I do touch-type. People really serious about this will probably shell out $$$ for a very good split & matrix keyboard (like the Kinesis Advantage)... Because split and matrix are the only kind of keyboards that makes sense from an ergonomic point of view (this is not even open for debate). I, sadly, have been typing for three decades and cannot adapt to matrix layout, so I'm using an old (flawed) staggered keyboard. If you're going to use a staggered keyboard, at least take one that has a good switch (for example buckling springs like in the IBM Model M or Cherry MX switches or Topres like in the Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro). Be ready to shell out $500 and more if you hope to find a split + "mechanical" staggered, like the Cherry MX-5000 (*) or the IBM M15.
So: in short, if you're really serious about this, go for a Kinesis Advantage (they're using Cherry MX switches and you can even choose your specific switch if I'm not mistaken).
If, like me, you sadly cannot adapt to these wonderful keyboards because they're "too different", then go for a good "mechanical" keyboard. Any keyboard allowing not to "bottom out" while typing will save your fingers' joints. Helps after decades of programming.
If you don't want to go the "mechanical" route and think rubber domes are fine keyboards (I consider them junk but each it's preference), then at least choose a good rubber dome. MS' Ergo 4K would be a good choice (once again: it's rubber dome so to me it's a finger-destroying junk, but it's a matter of taste).
once you're using a good keyboard, remap CAPS-LOCK to CTRL. Can be done on any OS. It's trivial and there are plenty of links on the subject.
Remap Emacs' keys to stop over-relying on CTRL. First CTRL-x is terrible. It really has to be the worst shortcut ever. But you can remap ctl-x-map to what you want. I do this in my remapping minor mode:
(define-key my-keys-minor-mode-map (kbd "C-,") ctl-x-map)
C-, might not suit you: pick something else...
Then there's the issue of cursor movement. I think it's a big one for "text editor". Even if tend to use all the fine Emacs functions to quickly move around the text buffers instead of "moving the cursor", I still do need to move the cursor "manually" quite often.
C-f / C-b have to be the two most stupid shortcuts to move the cursor ever.
I use M-{i,j,k,l}. So people prefer {hjkl} instead of {ijkl} but I like {ijkl} because it reproduce the inverted T-arrow. I also like the fact that when, as a touch-typist, you're in your home row, you already have three fingers on {jkl}. No crazy finger motion to reach 'f' or 'b': makes no sense.
Last but not least: when you're not typing, do rest your fingers on your keyboard. For this of course you need a keyboard with a good switch which has enough resistance not to activate when you're simply resting your keys on your keyboard.
