This. I'm trying to set up a personal developer blog and I have a very specific set of requirements. Tried several static blogging frameworks. Apart from the software bloat, I found myself spending a gratituous amount of time trying to customize pieces to my needs. Finally got sick of it, landed up writing a python script and after a few days and < 200 lines of code - I have a working prototype that fits my current needs. I will be doing more of the wheel re-inventing for other projects I have in mind. I strongly agree with your observation that adapting generic frameworks to specific needs probably have longer learning curves than just building a new wheel.