Raspberry pi and similar are not fake if you actually want something of this form factor (not full PC size, and not a smartphone you would build into the wall...) to run some particular job in your house or elsewhere.
You guys are all comparing hardware platforms. Isn't it the OS that makes the difference? Linux being the most developer friendly these days to the point its almost expected that you know the basics to get some stuff done.
Yeah, but it might feel fake if you just download a bunch of libraries, install them and call it a day.
On one hand you could take advantage of available tools to make your job easier. On the other you could do everything from scratch for personal satisfaction. Neither option discounts the other but I think the author comes off as whiny when he clearly chose the former over latter.