Love the sentiment behind the post - cooking is great life skill to get good at, but I think the "Essential Gear" is definitely far from "essential" (and maybe this will help the new cook from being too scared of the list).
Here's my version of the "minimum viable set":
1. big, sharp knife
2. cutting board
3. wooden spoon
4. pan.
Here's my version of the "minimum viable set": 1. big, sharp knife 2. cutting board 3. wooden spoon 4. pan.
IMO, the particularly dispensable: "instant read digital cooking thermometer", "micro-plane zester", "fish turner spatula", "large heat-safe glass measuring cup", "honing rod".
Again, still love the intention. Nice post!