If you are trying to do something "more advanced", why are you trying to use PHP at all? What do you consider "advanced"? Just the WAY you use the language, or the application you are trying to write?

PHP is trying really hard (it seems) to be a more advanced language, possibly to get new users to move over from other languages.

But they don't need to.

They should just stick to their roots, do what they do best:

Super small learning curve, low barrier to entry, it's everywhere, it works great for most apps, keep CRUD super-simple.