React isn't the problem. The React ecosystem is. You can build literally anything with one dependency (react) and four functions (createElement, render, useState, useEffect).
People spend months messing around with all sorts of ridiculous bullshit and then go and post on HN about how complicated React is. But somehow it was just fine in 2016 when the API surface was like twice as big. The only difference is that in the last few years everyone has somehow become convinced that the "best practices" are to spend 6 months inventing a 3D printer at the start of every project while your competitor builds your product in a weekend with just a chisel.
