Point taken. However, the part about "why not kubernetes" reads: [...] we started adding ever-more complex layers of logic to operate our services. As an exam

Point taken. However, the part about "why not kubernetes" reads: [...] we started adding ever-more complex layers of logic to operate our services. As an example, Kubernetes allows [...] this can get quite confusing [...]. [...] this can lead to tight, implicit coupling between your project and Kubernetes. [...] it’s tempting to go down that path and build unnecessary abstractions that can later bite you. [...] It takes a fair amount of time and energy to stay up-to-date with the best practices and latest tooling. [...] the learning curve is quite steep. So in short "it is complex so this and that may happen if you don't learn it properly". Ok, this reasoning applies a-priori to any tool.