If you have lots of useEffects and the code is confusing, that just means you're not writing your code well. I've architected and shipped multiple react project

If you have lots of useEffects and the code is confusing, that just means you're not writing your code well. I've architected and shipped multiple react projects that generate min 100M + USD in revenue, so I'd say I'm well versed in production react. It is weird, sure. All web technologies are kind of weird. But it works great for large web applications. Keep your functions small. Re-use is key - whether its hooks or components. Keep state sane by writing small functions that handle a couple state items internally, or create a parent state using context around a group of components. React gets a lot of hate, but most of it is unfounded. It is just a tool. I see people write 800+ loc react components and wonder why it is "so confusing". The problem is obvious. The goal of using any technology is to make money, nobody cares (end of the day, just being real lol) about any of these esoteric practices that happen under the hood with effects, etc. Write good code and most problems disappear. Unless you're working at Meta on react, or you have some burning desire to build tools like this (and honestly only <5% of devs who contribute will contribute something meaningful), there's no reason to pick so many fights with these tools. Just use it by accepting its features and limitations, and craft your UI project well enough that it is maintainable and keeps printing money. Anything beyond that is a waste of time/effort.