I don't understand how you think using an ORM == easier onboarding, because then they have to also know the ORM. With straight SQL you just have to know SQL, w

I don't understand how you think using an ORM == easier onboarding, because then they have to also know the ORM. With straight SQL you just have to know SQL, which anyone messing with databases should learn anyway and is a way more portable skill than $ORM. That said, I do agree if you are going to use an ORM, definitely use an industry-standard one for your language.