[CloudBuddy]

All of the JavaScript written for https://cloudbuddy.cloud/ is raw and developed from scratch (zero frameworks / libraries / dependencies). It was my belief at the time that maintenance costs would be zero or extremely minimal over time since there was basically no dependency on anything external. Since inception (over 2 years), the benefits have held true. The disadvantage of course is that it took longer to finish the service and offer it.

So, I'm an old timer. I've been doing software development professionally for 25 years. For me, new development is stimulating; maintenance - not so much.

Andrew, here is what I would suggest - create and finish a small project and code it in ReactJS. Then code the same one using only raw javascript. With the experience, you'll have your answer whether the cognitive load is worth it.