Why?

Why does vi use key combinations and mod keys involving ALT and CTRL?

I mean, they aren't as hard to reach as the arrow keys or Home End but still they aren't in the most reachable position.

Why not just use combinations of the home row and other letters.

That said I believe I can myself customize vi that way.

How do I go about that? I would totally switch over to vi if I could do just that. I don't think it's possible in emacs?!

Knowing how to copy would be nice
It doesn't matter
I'll just cut and paste it twice
The only way this line makes sense is if the person was determined to learn as few of the commands as possible. C-x is cut, M-x is copy