I guess I see your point, but there typically is a lot going on behind the scenes when $response->write("helloworld"); is executed. There could be several type

I guess I see your point, but there typically is a lot going on behind the scenes when $response->write("helloworld"); is executed. There could be several types of validation, xss/csrf protection, maybe storage to a session variable taking place that makes it unfair to directly relate it to echo 'helloworld'; I think it's about choosing a framework that seems to provide the right tools to solve the problem. Whether you're looking at one that is massively full featured or one that's rather bare, it's really about choice and proper research. Maybe even a day or two of testing out a couple.