similar to my experiences as well, I've always said the key is getting oxygen rich "humid" soil rich in humus to get those roots to explode.
I have probably close to 40% maybe even 45% aeration in my soil, but of all sorts.
But you are so right.
probably 75% of the time the pictures that match "this" deficiency or "that" toxicity is in fact just poor soil construction, or poor watering techniques.
Cannabis likes fluffy, aerated, "humid" (not WET), humus rich soil, it really doesn't need as much nutrients as people are giving it, at least not organically.
the other one is being rootbound. I see that one a lot too, and then people start mucking with calmag, ph up/down, this nutrient, that nutrient. Which undoubtedly makes it worse.
when it simply needs more room.