When I first delved into the world of website creation with WordPress version 3, I was immediately drawn to its simplicity. It offered a user-friendly interface that allowed even non-technical individuals to craft beautiful websites with ease. One of the things I loved most about it was the ability to maintain a consistent look and feel across all pages, ensuring that content remained clean and visually appealing.

However, as time passed and WordPress evolved, I couldn't help but notice a shift away from its user-oriented roots. With the introduction of site builders and the ever-changing landscape of menus and interfaces, WordPress began to feel cluttered and overwhelming. It seemed like every update brought with it a new set of complexities, making templating a nightmare of dependencies and customizations.

It's reminiscent of Microsoft's introduction of "contextual" menu bars, where the simplicity of the interface was sacrificed in favor of endless customization options. The core problems that users faced remained unaddressed, while the platform itself became more focused on catering to developers and those looking to make a name for themselves in the tech world.

For someone like me, who values simplicity and consistency in website design, this shift in focus has been disheartening. It feels like WordPress has strayed from its original mission of providing an accessible platform for everyone, regardless of their technical expertise.

As a result, I've found myself exploring alternative options, particularly flat-file CMSs, for smaller projects. These platforms offer a return to simplicity, with straightforward interfaces and minimal dependencies. They provide everything a small website needs without the added complexity and overhead that comes with WordPress.

While I still feel somewhat locked into WordPress for larger projects, I can no longer wholeheartedly recommend it for smaller endeavors. The constant effort required to keep up with its ever-evolving interface and features has made it less accessible and more costly for those just starting out.

In conclusion, the evolution of WordPress has been a double-edged sword. While it has introduced new features and capabilities, it has also strayed from its user-oriented origins, becoming increasingly complex and unwieldy in the process. For those looking for simplicity and ease of use, it may be time to explore alternative options that better align with their needs and values.