I agree with the sentiment, at least partially. Using a high-level library in JS to display a complex graph is nice when you build a production system, but for

I agree with the sentiment, at least partially. Using a high-level library in JS to display a complex graph is nice when you build a production system, but for learning the direct, almost tangible control is so important. It enables our intellect to build high-level concepts on low-level ones, and allows us to slowly understand how hidden functionality complicates high-level design before actually having to deal with it.