Indeed, the frontend itself is usually the problem. If not for data lock in, we wouldn't need that many frontends in the first place - most of the web would be better operated through a few standardized widgets and a spreadsheet and database interfaces - and non-tech people would be using it and be more empowered for it.

(And we know that because there was a brief period in time where basics of spreadsheets and databases were part of curriculum in the West and people had no problem with that.)