I know it seems super simple, but the difference between forcing a new user to type (more importantly to remember) 'fx:' and having it as a half button that provides a dropdown is pretty huge. One is easily accessible and actionable, the other is hidden. Given the difference in accessibility and that filtering by effect is more of a neat trick than a required function, yeah, i'd say typing 'fx:' could rightly be labeled 'hardcore.'
Also, typing anything is annoying on tablets. Making it a button would save a step and be less annoying.