In reply to Rarst.

I think we're on the same page, just coming from different directions.

Part of the nuance I was trying to get at — which I think I may have failed to convey — is that there are different levels at which a developer tool like Composer is appropriate and a good fit. Until you've used Composer internal to a plugin (or in a small non-WordPress project) to pull in something simple like a Markdown, Twig, etc package, using it for the management of all of your WordPress site's plugins or all of your site will feel awkward and overwhelming. You don't have to be a (plebeian) end-user for the full-site Composer solution to feel like overkill. But a more modest use is something you should definitely consider.

My big goal was trying to walk through the tradeoffs of these different uses in a public space where people could see the whole thing including comments like yours. I really appreciate you weighing in!