Ugh... I tend to prefer SQL database interaction via scripting languages, and the abstractions are a LOT more work than just knowing SQL and writing parameterized queries directly.

Also, conceptually it's a VERY good idea to understand how your database, and databases in general work. You can avoid a lot of weird behaviors and bottlenecks if you know more.

Aside/Joking/Rant: Except mySQL, I don't want to know its' weird behaviors any more than I already do, it can die in a fiery inferno and suffer in hell incarnate.