eagertolearn wrote:
I'm taking away form this much appreciated conversation to export/save all GIMP work in its native XCP format until I'm absolutely certain I want/need to make any further modifications and only then to export to jpg or png.
Not "only then". You can export intermediate JPEG/PNG all you want, as long as you save to XCF. In case you didn't notice, after you
exported your JPG, Gimp told you the image wasn't
saved. You likely found this annoying and hit the "Discard changes" button. This distinction between Save and Export is there to make sure you cannot forget to save to XCF. Like a seat belt, it's sometimes annoying. But it also (figuratively) saves lives.
eagertolearn wrote:
I think anyone teaching a newbie class in GIMP would help students immensely if that was the first advice (or one of them) in startling to use GIMP.
Someone who omits this isn't 'teaching'. This person is at best passing oral traditions like an old shaman.