An investigation into macOS's bloated process list reveals over 700 running processes, even with no apps open. The author examines Time Machine's `backupd` and `backupd-helper` as candidates for removal, noting they run even when disabled. However, macOS's Signed System Volume (SSV) locks down system files, preventing user modifications to LaunchDaemons that control these processes.

The real hurdle is Apple's Duet Activity Scheduler (DAS) and Centralised Task Scheduling (CTS), which manage process execution via XPC. Even with Time Machine disabled, DAS-CTS continues scheduling `backupd-auto` hourly, isolated from user controls. This architecture prioritizes system integrity and consumer simplicity over modularity, a shift from earlier Mac OS versions where users could choose components during installation.

For developers and power users, this illustrates macOS's closed nature. The system is optimized for reliability, not configurability. Future updates may reduce Rosetta 2, but core process management will remain locked down. The takeaway is clear: slimming macOS requires accepting its design as a consumer appliance, not a modular Unix system.