Just like no language that compiles to machine code can create new x86 assembler instructions. So sure, what Elm gives you can be done with just a framework, b

Just like no language that compiles to machine code can create new x86 assembler instructions. So sure, what Elm gives you can be done with just a framework, but it wouldn't be very productive. There is a reason why hardly anybody programs in assembler anymore (unless they have a good reason). Higher-level languages provide better abstractions, allow you to write more expressive code, are safer etc.