I've had the same experience. One of the things I like most about llama.cpp is the relatively straightforward build process, at least when compared to the mess of Python library requirements you run into if you want to experiment with ML models.
Having said that, I have the sense that the ML ecosystem is coalescing around using `venv` as a standard for Python dependencies. Most of the build instructions for Python ML projects I've seen recently begin with setting up the environment using venv, and in my experience, it works fairly reliably. I don't particularly like downloading gigabytes of dependencies for each new project, but that mess of dependencies is what's powering the rapid pace of prototypes and development.
Having said that, I have the sense that the ML ecosystem is coalescing around using `venv` as a standard for Python dependencies. Most of the build instructions for Python ML projects I've seen recently begin with setting up the environment using venv, and in my experience, it works fairly reliably. I don't particularly like downloading gigabytes of dependencies for each new project, but that mess of dependencies is what's powering the rapid pace of prototypes and development.