That seems a little unfair.

1. It’s so much easier using RPis for that work. It can be done with no soldering at all and there are tons of easy to use libraries. Not having to solder is a huge plus IMO and I have a workstation with iron, hot plate, air gun, etc. ready and waiting.

2. Why hate on doing it Python? Even ESP32 embedded development ecosystem treats Python well with CircuitPython and MicroPython.

3. At least they are making something!

4. Even a simple ESP32 is overkill for what you described, so why are you hating on people using an RPi when your suggestion is just as laughable when taking your hardcore embedded stance?

As someone who has been working on embedded work since RadioShack was a good source of components - let’s not gatekeep makers.