I have used OpenSCAD not CadQuery, to me (as a vim person) the appeal is not having to do a bunch of mousework. But it doesn't hold up for long, at some level of complexity it is certainly easier to just go learn SolidWorks/OnShape/Fusion.
Mainly, that all the data (constraints etc) are discoverable in one place instead of hidden behind various gui features. Also being able to use a battle tested version control system like git instead of whatever ball of duct tape comes with the tool.
I've used OpenSCAD for a few small projects. The main draw for me is avoiding all the "fiddly mouse stuff". I figure it's a trade-off between simple stuff being more complicated, and complicated stuff being easier to bulk edit and organize.
Just kidding. But would you mind sharing what you find so compelling about CadQuery?
As a mechanical person, these code to CAD tools make as much sense to me as suggesting you should write programs with a compass and straight edge.