RumRiverBrewer said:I'm torn between simplifying my brew days and just going out and buying some good craft brew at the store.... I like this hobby because I can brew the beer I like and have a stake in claiming the success in the final product. That's why I grow hops, grind grains, mash, mix, bottle, etc... It's hands-on. I'm always looking for ways to increase the efficiency of my brew days but if I find myself one day working with a computer controlled electric brewery, maybe it'd be easier to just go to the store and get a 6-pack instead/...
Most of us are here because brewing is our hobby. Some of us enjoy building and automating our breweries as part of the hobby. I don't think you will one day "find yourself" with a fancy brewery if that is not your goal. Electric can be very simple. It's just an option for heating that happens to be relatively easy to automate.
Going to the store for a six pack is far easier than brewing a batch on even the simplest system. We all have the quick and easy option available.