I think you misunderstand the value proposition. In order to spend less effort on maintenance, thus freeing yourself to add value elsewhere, you need increased

I think you misunderstand the value proposition. In order to spend less effort on maintenance, thus freeing yourself to add value elsewhere, you need increased automation. That automation may or may not include a framework but is absolutely not limited to frameworks. I instead prefer test automation to frameworks for automation. They are both tech debt, but only one of those provides a layer of risk mitigation (regression detection or changes to business requirements). The other provides a substitute for training, experience, and soft skills which suppresses risk realization. Just because the danger is hidden to lower layers does not indicate the danger is gone or avoided. If this were true frameworks would eliminate the need for testing and quality assurance.