I think it's a stack that really pays off in the long run for solo projects. After a long week of work the last thing I want to do is go tracking down runtime errors (undefined is not a function, my old friend) or messing around with Docker containers and Kubernetes clusters. It also doesn't hurt that once you throw away the costly deployment abstractions, the operating expenses turn out to be a lot cheaper.

If this guy thinks he can make a better a wheel, I see no reason not to let him try. You never know, there could be a better way that becomes the new standard.

Or making wheels accessible to more people for more projects where they might be useful.