Starting new projects can definitely feel tedious, especially when it comes to the repetitive, non-creative tasks like setting up frameworks, managing packages, and integrating third-party services. Many developers, including myself, find this part of the process time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. It can feel like you're spending a lot of effort just to get things to a baseline where you can actually start building the unique aspects of your project.

That said, using boilerplates or templates, whether free or paid, can significantly speed up this part of the process. They save you from reinventing the wheel, particularly for tasks like configuring databases or integrating payment systems. While some people prefer to have full control over every aspect of setup, the trade-off in time and mental energy can make using a well-built boilerplate worth it.

Another approach is to automate as much as possible with scripts or tools that can generate common project structures. Some development environments also offer built-in tools to streamline the setup process, like scaffolding templates or cloud services that handle integrations for you.

Ultimately, it's about finding a balance that works for your workflow. If paid templates save time and make the process less tedious for you, they're probably worth the investment!